Chris joined the Museum of Modern Art in 1999 to setup the science section of the conservation department. Prior to that he worked in the paintings conservation department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he assisted with technical analysis of the collection and the development of stable optically correct varnishes for Old Master paintings. For 25 years he bridged those two jobs by teaching conservation science at the NYU conservation program. In addition to being interested in varnishes, adhesives, and modern materials, Chris pioneered the use of handheld x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for the examination of cultural heritage. In 2009 he was a recipient of The College Art Association and Heritage Preservation Award for Distinction in Scholarship and Conservation.