Richard Kessler

Richard Kessler came to the Solar Lab with a background in geology, receiving his degree from the University of Southern Maine. Working for the US Geological Survey (USGS), he spent four years in the US Virgin Islands on a water-resources project. Following another two years on an environmental project with the USGS in North Carolina, he started a position with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. This involved the study of volcanic gases for the Global Change and Climate History project being conducted nationally.

Richard has applied his background in data collection networks to the collection of solar radiation and meteorological data. His work at the solar lab involves the construction, maintenance, and calibration of field instruments and data post-processing. Future projects of interest include the study of the effects of volcanic ash and other atmospheric conditions on solar data. He enjoys working in a field related to the development of renewable resources and seeing the increase in use of solar energy in the Northwest and other areas.