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Terri L Arnold

Terri Arnold is a Hydrologist in the Fluvial Mechanics and Geomorphology studies section of the Central Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Terri Arnold is a Hydrologist in the Fluvial Mechanics and Geomorphology studies section of the Central Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). She recently went part-time to enable her to pursue training and planning for a new post-retirement career working with animals. In her current USGS role, Terri provides scientific, budget management, and data support for many ongoing studies relating to invasive Asian Carp.

Previously, Terri was Science Chief of the Fluvial Mechanics and Geomorphology studies section where she led a talented team of eight interdisciplinary scientists. Before becoming Science Chief, Terri was the Technical Assistant to the Groundwater Component Leader for the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project. Terri coordinated the annual water-quality sampling of roughly 500 groundwater wells throughout the lower 48 United States. She helped the Component Leader manage the budget and develop annual work plans for groundwater assessment activities by field personnel. Terri compiled large datasets in Oracle and Access databases; applied spatial and statistical analyses to large data sets; and compiled results of analyses to support planning efforts.

Earlier in her career, Terri was the GIS specialist for NAWQA teams studying water quality of Principal Aquifers in the United States where her duties included spatial and geostatistical analysis of water samples and environmental data; mapping results of sampling and analysis; writing reports and proposals; managing GIS databases; archiving data; and mentoring other GIS users. Terri began work with the USGS as a student employee drafting maps by hand. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Geography, she worked a year with the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). In 1991, Terri rejoined the USGS and has applied her expertise to various projects in biology, hydrologic modeling, and water quality.