Raina M. Maier is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology in the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. Dr. Maier received her undergraduate degree in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rutgers University, and trained as a post-doctoral research associate in Biochemistry at Iowa State University. She has served as the Associate Director of the University of Arizona NIEHS Superfund Research Program since 2002. Dr. Maier's research is interdisciplinary and is focused on developing a fundamental understanding of the biological factors and processes that influence the transport and fate of both microorganisms and chemical contaminants in the environment. The information gained from this research is used in the development of innovative remediation technologies.