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Responsibilities: Dr. Taylor is responsible for leading the USGS's Energy and Minerals, and Environmental Health Mission Area. This includes research programs for energy, mineral resources, toxic hydrology, and contaminant biology, and the multidisciplinary USGS Science and Decisions Center.

Career History and Highlights: Dr. Taylor began her career as a geologist working for the New Mexico Bureau of Mines on hydrothermal alteration in western Cenozoic volcanic systems. Then she spent 15 years in the petroleum industry focused on domestic and international hydrocarbon exploration. She held senior leadership positions, including Research and Development Director of worldwide technology applications, Vice President of Overseas Exploration, and Manager of Strategic Regional Studies. Since joining the USGS 11 years ago, she has served as Team Chief Scientist for the Eastern Energy Resources Team, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Chief Scientist, and most recently as the Chief Scientist for Geography.

Education: Dr. Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and master's and doctorate degrees in geology. She has received Executive Certificates from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a graduate of the Department of the Interior's SES Candidate Development Program.