Richard began his career in the metal fabrication industry. He worked in this field for 6 years, beginning as a brake press operator and then as a maintenance machinist on multistage dies. While attending college to advance his knowledge in machining he became fascinated with the Electron Microscopy program. He received his certificate in electron microscopy, from San Joaquin Delta College, in Stockton, California, after two years of intense training. Prior to graduating he was offered a position with Lockheed Aeronautical Systems located in Marietta, Georgia, running their EM Lab. The facilities consisted of two SEM’s and one TEM. Richard also provided support for thirteen engineers. He transferred to a private company in materials when the C-5 program slowed down. He has worked in the materials and environmental industry for seventeen years. He has been in management for eleven years. For six years Richard was a Regional Manger for the Southeast which also included five other laboratories. He trained employees and empowered the managers to become more efficient in their laboratory operations and provide better customer service. He continues to enjoy electron microscopy and working with students and outside clients at the University of Virginia.
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