Melissa Carr trained as a chemist and cabinetmaker before completing her graduate work in the Furniture Conservation Training Program at the Smithsonian Institution’s Conservation Analytical Laboratory. She has also studied at the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo. Ms. Carr specializes in the conservation of wooden objects and Asian lacquer from the 13th to 20th century. Her private firm, Masterwork Conservation, provides services to major museums, institutions, and private collectors.