Melissa Schaar is the Groundwater and Water Quality Studies Chief for the USGS Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center located in Helena, Montana.
She manages a multi-disciplinary team of microbiologists, ecologists, physical scientists, geologists and hydrologists. Melissa is 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.
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Geological Engineering, Montana Technological University, 2000
B.S. in Earth Science, Montana State University, 1997
Science and Products
Assessing the impacts of mining on the Transboundary Koocanusa Reservoir
Long-Term Surface-Water Monitoring in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin
Science and Products
- Science
Assessing the impacts of mining on the Transboundary Koocanusa Reservoir
Lead Researcher: Travis Schmidt Project Manager: Melissa Schaar Water-Quality Field Lead: Chad ReeseLong-Term Surface-Water Monitoring in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has collected water-quality samples from selected stream sites upstream from Missoula since 1985.