Water/Wastewater Technician Training Institute: The First Year Retrospective

Christal Wade, Western Kentucky University Ms. Wade holds a Master of Science Degree in Biology from Western Kentucky University. She began working in the WATERS Laboratory as an undergraduate in 2004 and accepted full-time employment as a laboratory analyst upon graduation in 2006. Ms. Wade currently holds certification under the Kentucky Microbiological Laboratory Certification Program and is an EPA Approved Principal Cryptosporidium Analyst under the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. She manages both the Microbiological and Cryptosporidium programs at the WATERS Lab. Ms. Wade also provides outreach and education for water/wastewater operators in the form of Continuing Education Unit lectures. She has prepared and delivered lectures on the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Treatment Rule, the Disinfection By-Products Rule, the Total Coliform Rule, basic laboratory procedures for both water and wastewater, and waterborne pathogens. Ms. Wade delivers the lectures at training events coordinated by Kentucky Rural Water Association, Kentucky Water and Wastewater Operator's Association, West Virginia Rural Water Association, as well as public water/wastewater systems. In addition, Ms. Wade has prepared the class content for the first class of the Water/Wastewater Technician Training Institute, WTTI200C, entitled Water Supply and Wastewater Control, for which she is currently the instructor of record. Other educational experiences include Regional Science Fair Judge, preparing content and proctoring events for Science Olympiad, and preparing content and teaching classes for Girls in Science.