Miya N Barr

Miya began her career with the Missouri Water Science center in 1996 as a sediment laboratory assistant while attending the University of Missouri-Rolla. After graduation, Miya remained at the Missouri WSC measuring streamflow and sediments, and assisted senior hydrologists with projects such as bathymetric surveys, flood studies, as well as stormflow events for nutrients, fecal indicator bacteria, and sediment.

From 2004-2023, Miya managed a variety of projects; most of which focused on sediment and surface water affected by various issues such as extreme hydrologic events, historical lead mining, and urban runoff. Cooperative efforts have ranged from Federal to municipal, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Independence, MO. She was the Missouri Sediment Laboratory supervisor for many years, reviewing over 5,000 sediment results a year, training many employees and students, and providing technical assistance to numerous coworkers across the USGS. Over her career, Miya represented the Office of Water Quality and Office of Quality Assurance as a data reviewer on more than 10 technical reviews, has reviewed and mentored other USGS sediment laboratories, and studied the efficiency of field equipment for sediment collection. Since 2022, she has been a member of the training and testing team of the AQUARIUS Samples Integration Project. 

Miya became the Water Quality Specialist for the Central Midwest Water Science Center in October 2023, and has been integrating consistent workflows and processes across the Center, providing guidance and training to staff. She is also a co-instructor of the Water Quality Principles course (QW1022).