W. Richard Laton, an NGWA Scientists and Engineers Division member and active NGWA volunteer, is currently an associate professor of hydrogeology in the Department of Geological Sciences at California State University, Fullerton. Passionate about teaching students practical knowledge they can apply to real-world circumstances, he teaches classes ranging from hydrogeology, environmental sampling, and groundwater modeling to oceanography and geology. Laton has also taught at the Western Michigan University Field Camp for the past 15 years. Topics covered during these 50-hour, weeklong intensive courses include drilling techniques and sampling, aquifer testing, and remediation technologies.