BAL Research Scientist Dr. Nausheen Sadiq has contributed to a recently-published book, Sample Introduction Systems in ICP-MS and ICP-OES, edited by Dr. Diane Beauchemin of Queen's University. Nausheen joined the BAL family in 2018 and has since moved up the ranks in our Research & Development Group working to develop new and improved analytical methods to meet our clients' needs. Nausheen's book chapter, co-authored by Dr. Beauchemin, focuses on liquid chromatography, a common technique used for metals speciation at BAL. The chapter provides an easy to read overview of principles, instrumentation, optimization, limitations, calibration, and applications of liquid chromatography coupled to ICP-MS and ICP-OES instruments. Congratulations Nausheen on your latest publication, and we look forward to seeing what you do next!

Due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) will be a virtual event held on-line August 3-21, 2020. NEMC is the largest conference in North America focused on environmental measurements. In your review of the full agenda, you will find that BAL's Vice President, Annie Carter, will be chairing a session on Metals Analysis and Remediation on August 7^th. In addition, BAL's President/CEO, Michelle Briscoe, will be presenting a talk titled "A Collaborative Approach to Updating EPA Method 3050" (abstract) in the Collaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring session on August 12^th. Please contact us if you would like to receive a copy of Ms. Briscoe's presentation following the conference.

In the midst of this global pandemic, we thought you could use a distraction from Zoom meetings and mask wearing. Why not take a moment to complete this short survey for us? This unprecedented situation we are all experiencing requires new approaches to how we do our jobs and meet our clients' expectations for the essential work that we perform. What should we keep doing? Where should we make adjustments? Will you please take 3 minutes to tell us what you think? This survey literally has only 9 questions and can be anonymous. We are wild about our clients, and we'd love to hear from you!