Founder

Dr. Richard P. Maas (1951 - 2005) was the founder of  EQI and a professor in the Environmental Studies Department at UNCA from 1987-2005.  An environmental chemist by training, Dr. Maas coauthored over 60 publications on the subjects of water quality, hazardous waste and water pollution control.  He served on several boards of governmental and non-profit organizations and had extensive experience in collaborating with individuals, governmental agencies and corporations on environmental issues.

Director

Dr. Steven C. Patch coordinates educational and research projects involving undergraduate students on issues dealing with environmental quality, including water quality and lead contamination. Since 1984, Dr. Patch has been a Statistics Professor at UNCA where he teaches statistics and mathematics courses. Dr. Patch received his Ph.D. in Statistics from Clemson University in 1985 and has coauthored over 40 publications on exposure to environmental toxins, water quality, and ecology.

Laboratory Staff

Diane Morgan is the Laboratory Manager and coordinates and supervises the research projects undertaken by the Environmental Quality Institute. She oversees the data generated during sample analysis and assures that quality control procedures are maintained. She received a B.S. degree from UNCA in Environmental Studies. Diane has received training as a Lead Inspector and Risk Assessor and also as a Contractor/Supervisor for Lead-Based Paint Projects.

Marilyn Westphal coordinates the VWIN program and supervises student research conducted on surface water quality issues.  She recieved a B.S. degree from UNCA in Environmental Studies.  She has made over 20 presentations to regional and national audiences concerning the state of water quality in Western North Carolina.

Ann Marie Muench is a chemist at EQI. She conducts analysis of trace metals in a variety of media. She received a B.S. degree from the University of North Florida in Biology as well as a M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida .

Tamara Pandolfo is a chemist at EQI who works primarily with the VWIN program. She received a B.S. degree from UNCA in Environmental Studies.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Staff

Linda Block is the Coordinator of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. She is a professional environmental educator who has worked as Assistant Director for Clean Water for North Carolina in Asheville , and as Bilingual Community Organizer for Mothers for Clean Air in Houston , among other jobs. Linda earned her Master's degree from Johns Hopkins in Environmental Studies. She has served on many commissions and committee to address issues of racism and is a facilitator for Asheville 's Building Bridges, a 9-week course on racism. Linda also volunteers with The Mediation Center in Asheville and with Big Bothers/Big Sisters. She is fluent in Spanish.

Adrianne Weir is the Program Assistant and a Lead Inspector.  She has Bachelor’s degree in education, has work experience with infant and maternal health, and is trained as a midwife’s assistant.  She also is trained in residential electrical installations.  Adrianne has a long history of volunteerism and donates her time to many local organizations.  A mother of three, Adrianne moved to Asheville after 4 years living in El Salvador.  She is bilingual. Adrianne was awarded the Christiana Tugman Scholarship for 2007-2008 at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College where she is a student of Construction Management Technology.