Joe Meiman has been employed as the hydrogeologist of Mammoth Cave National Park since 1989. Since graduating with a MS in Geology/Hydrogeology from Eastern Kentucky University the same year, he has divided time between academic and applied aspects of cave and karst research. He has designed and installed karst groundwater monitoring systems, which working with partner Chris Groves, new theories of cave development are being advanced. He also spends time monitoring the water quality of the Mammoth Cave karst aquifer and designing new strategies for accurate assessment of karst water quality.