Meet Our Scientists
Lisa Thompson, PhD – Chief Scientist
Lisa Thompson was appointed Chief Scientist for Regional San in 2014. As Chief Scientist, she leads and supports Regional San’s efforts regarding compliance with permit-related studies and Delta research. She also serves as a technical resource for all scientific research needs for both Regional San and the Sacramento Area Sewer District.
Thompson was previously employed by the University of California, Davis, for 13 years, where she served in various positions, including Specialist in Cooperative Extension in the Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology Department, and Director of the Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture.
Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Toronto, a Master of Science degree in Biology from McGill University in Montreal, and a Doctorate degree in Zoology from the University of British Columbia.
See Lisa’s CV.
Contact Lisa at thompsonlis@sacsewer.com.
Tim Mussen, PhD – Scientist
Tim Mussen joined Regional San’s Scientific Research Section in 2012. Mussen designs, coordinates, and collaborates on scientific research studies evaluating the ecological health of the Delta watershed and potential effects of nutrients and other constitutes discharged in wastewater effluent. Through participation in Delta-focused scientific workgroups and community events, Mussen promotes the use of the best available science to guide regulatory policies and management programs.
Mussen engages in a broad spectrum of aquatic science for Regional San, from the primary environmental drivers supporting populations of local endangered fishes to the sub-lethal responses of aquatic organisms due to chemical exposures.
Mussen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology and a Doctorate degree in Ecology from the University of California, Davis. During his academic studies, Mussen conducted extensive research on how aquatic animals sense and respond to the environment around them. His research identified the methods fish use to detect their food and avoid potentially threatening objects, such as water diversion intakes.
See Tim’s CV.
Contact Tim at mussent@sacsewer.com.