Catherine Stephens, Preventive Conservation Scientist, holds a PhD in macromolecular science and engineering and BA degrees in both chemistry and art history. Before joining The Met in 2016, her specialty was studying the degradation mechanisms and structure-property relationships of polymers found in museums. Her work at The Met focuses on evaluating environmental conditions, identifying potentially hazardous chemical compounds found in materials proposed for use in display and storage, and developing novel analytical techniques that ensure the longevity of the collection.