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B.A. Chemistry
Conservation Scientist
National Gallery of Art
Washington, D.C.

Lisha is a conservation scientist with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where she investigates the methods and materials of artists. In this position, Lisha works in collaboration with other scientists, curators and conservators on topics related to the National Gallery’s collection. Her examination of the materials and techniques of works of art used by artists assist in conservation treatments by distinguishing between the artist’s original work and later restorations.

Lisha has served on numerous advisory committees and research groups, including the 2007 National Gallery of Art seminal international meeting of representatives from seven museums to address issues surrounding the sharing and comparability of quantitative data between institutions, with particular regard to bronze sculpture of the Renaissance.

Lisha is grateful for the career guidance she received as a student at Saint Rose commenting, “I think it is important, particularly in my field, to provide young students with some different options when thinking of pursuing a career in science. I had that opportunity when I was at Saint Rose after Sister Mary Rehfuss first introduced me to the concept of chemistry in art. I dedicated my Ph.D. thesis, “The Application of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry to the Study of Museum Objects” to her.” Lisha received her PhD from University of Amsterdam in 2004.