Dr. Ann Maest has been re-elected to serve on the National Academies’ National Research Council Committee on Earth Resources. The Committee on Earth Resources serves as the focal point within the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources for activities relevant to mineral and energy resources. The committee is responsible for organizing and overseeing studies on issues relevant to the supply, delivery, and associated impacts of hydrocarbon, metallic, and nonmetallic mineral resources, and mineral and nonmineral energy resource systems. The committee:

• monitors the status of mineral and energy resource issues;
• identifies study opportunities and responds to requests for federal agencies; and
• provides a unique forum for discussion and exchange of information among scientists, engineers, and policy makers from government, universities, and industry.

Dr. Maest is honored to have the opportunity to serve on this committee for a period of three years.

A managing scientist at Stratus Consulting, Dr. Maest is an aqueous geochemist who designs, conducts, and manages groundwater and surface water hydrogeochemistry studies at mining and other industrial sites. She also works on independent monitoring and capacity building projects with community and indigenous groups in North and South America. With expertise in the fate and transport of natural and anthropogenic contaminants in groundwater, surface water, and sediment, her work has focused on the environmental effects of mining and petroleum extraction and production, and, more recently, on the effects of climate change on water quality.

The National Academies

The National Academies perform an unparalleled public service by bringing together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve pro bono to address critical national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public. Four organizations comprise the Academies: the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council.