Raymond, a national leader on policies and responses regarding harmful algal blooms, joins CFAES from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, where she was state harmful algal bloom (HAB) coordinator and lead hydrogeologist. She was also recently elected to serve on the National HAB Committee. Raymond is a lead scientist with more than 20 years of experience championing innovative, data-driven water quality programs and policies and is especially adept at building partnerships and communicating science. Currently, more than 140 CFAES faculty and staff are working on programs related to water quality, representing the largest concentration of such expertise in Ohio. Harmful algal blooms, stormwater runoff, drinking water safety, and septic systems are some of the many areas of focus.
As leader of the initiative, Raymond supports and leverages the team’s work, coordinates with other water quality-related programs at Ohio State, and emphasizes building stronger ties to water quality programs elsewhere in Ohio, including at agencies and other universities, with the goal of translating the valuable research that we do into applications that have a positive impact on water quality. Raymond also helps grow connections between CFAES faculty and stakeholders by organizing forums and other events, and by taking a lead role in bringing people together—scientists, students, policymakers, and others—to discuss key topics in water quality.
Raymond has an executive MPA, an MS in hydrogeology, and a BS in geology, all from Ohio University.
The Water Quality Initiative’s website is at waterquality.osu.edu.