DCM Staff

Ron L. Schott

Laboratory Director/Mineralogist

Ron began his relationship with DCMSL in 1988 and became co-owner in 1998. He has been Laboratory Director since 1995. Ron has 29 years of experience developing and managing a wide variety of multidisciplinary projects in the laboratory. He has extensive experience in the fields of x-ray diffraction, mineralogy and microscopy. He is the primary analyst for all petrographic, x-ray diffraction, mineralogy, concrete and aggregate projects.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado. He has also completed graduate classes in x-ray diffraction and optical mineralogy from the University of Colorado, Denver and microscopy classes from the McCrone Research Institute in Chicago, IL.

Ron is qualified to teach the NIOSH 582 course, he has successfully completed the following McCrone Research Institute courses:

• Microscopic Identification of Asbestos, June, 1989
• NIOSH 582, Asbestos Fiber Counting, August, 1990

Education

• B.S. in Geology, Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO, 1993

Professional Activities

• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
• Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
• Clay Mineral Association

Cindy Mefford

President/Business Director

Financial and business operations are managed by Cindy Mefford. Cindy started with DCM Science Lab in 1984 as the financial manager. Cindy coordinates all administrative and analytical activities of the laboratory. She also works closely with clients to insure that their analytical needs are met in a timely and accurate manner.

Education

• B.S. in Business Management, Mesa Colorado University, 1977

John Silverman

Laboratory Analyst

John has been an integral part of DCM Science Lab since 1991. John’s primary area of expertise is in asbestos analysis. He also assists in other microscopic analyses and silica analysis.

Education

• B.S. in Geology, Southern Illinois University, 1980

Jason Barnes

Laboratory Analyst

Jason joined DCM Science Lab in 2013. Jason’s primary focus in the laboratory is x-ray diffraction that includes whole rock, clay and crystalline silica analysis. Jason also assists in the analysis of asbestos and scanning electron microscopy.

Education

• B.S. in Geology, Colorado State University, 2013

Debbi Howey

Office Manager/Customer Service Specialist

As office manager, Debbi ensures each customer’s needs are met and lab results are reported in a timely manner. Debbi joined the DCM Science Lab staff in 2016 and has over 20 years experience in the health care profession.