Tom Atherholt is a Research Scientist in the Office of Science, NJDEP. He has a B.A. from Gettysburg College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rutgers University. He conducts research in environmental microbiology and toxicology to assist the department’s regulatory activities. He conducted research in genetic toxicology at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden, NJ for 10 years prior to joining the NJDEP in 1990. His drinking water research has included studies of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface waters and indicators of fecal contamination in ground water.