Jeff Zamek walked into a pottery studio in 1967 and started his career as an amateur potter. After completing a degree in business from Monmouth University, W. Long Branch, NJ he obtained B.F.A./M.F.A. degrees in ceramics from Alfred University, College of Ceramics, NY. While there he developed the soda firing system at the college and went on to teach at Simon's Rock College and Keane College. During this time he earned his living as a professional potter. In 1980 he started Ceramics Consulting Services a ceramics consulting firm developing clay body and glaze formulas for ceramics supply companies throughout the United States. He works with individual potters, ceramics companies, and industry offering technical advice on clays, glazes, kilns, raw materials, ceramic toxicology, and product development. He is a regular contributor to several ceramics magazines and technical journals. Jeff's books What Every Potter Should Know and Safety in the Ceramics Studio, featuring the safe handling of ceramic materials, and The Potters Health & Safety Questionnaire, are available from Jeff Zamek/Ceramics Consulting Services. His latest book is The Potter's Studio Clay & Glaze Handbook.