Monona Rossol is a chemist, artist, and industrial hygienist.  She was born into a theatrical family and worked as a professional entertainer from age 3 to 17. She enrolled in the University of Wisconsin where she earned:  a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Math, an MS majoring in Ceramics and Sculpture, and an MFA with majors in Ceramics and Glassblowing and a minor in Music.  While at school she worked as a chemist, taught and exhibited artwork, performed with University music and theater and opera groups, and worked yearly in summer stock.
            After leaving school and moving to New York, she performed in musical and straight acting roles in Off Broadway theaters and cabaret. Monona worked seven years as a research chemist for the University of Wisconsin and a year with an industrial research laboratory. From 1977 to 1987, she practiced industrial hygiene at the Center for Safety in the Arts in New York, a group that she co-founded. In 1987 she founded ACTS (Arts, Crafts, and Theater Safety) and continues this work to the present. She has been a full professional member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association since 1984.  Since 1995, she has been the Safety Director for Local USA 829, United Scenic Artists, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). She lectures and consults in the US, Canada, Australia, England and Mexico, writes a monthly newsletter for ACTS, and has written seven books, one of which won a Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries.