Melissa Schaar
Melissa Schaar is the Deputy Director of Research and Investigations for the Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center located in Helena, Montana
Melissa has been with the USGS since 2021, and started as the Groundwater and Water Quality Section Chief. She manages a multi-disciplinary team of microbiologists, ecologists, physical scientists, geoscientists and hydrologists. She has been the project manager of several scientific investigations that explore the effects of mining on water quality and ecosystems with special experience working in high profile international transboundary watersheds. Melissa has over twenty years of experience working in private industry and government in the fields of hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, engineering, water use, water quality, and policy. She was a Supervisory Hydrologist for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conversation, a Water Quality Standards specialist for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and a consultant for private industry. Melissa received a bachelor of science in Earth Science from Montana State University, a Master’s in Geological Engineering from Montana Technological University, and is a Wyoming Licensed Professional Geologist.
