Linda VanAller Hernick was born in Albany but grew up in the beautiful and historic Schoharie Valley of New York. She received a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of St. Rose and graduated from the Albany School of Cytotechnology. For sixteen years she worked in commercial cytopathology laboratories microscopically screening cell samples for cancer and cancer precursors. However, a fascination with paleontology ultimately led her to a career at the New York State Museum where she first microscopically examined disaggregated rock samples for Cambrian-age microfossils and, later, turned to paleobotany. Since retiring from the NYSM in 2014 I have been able to focus time and attention on light microscopy, my hobby of many years. In particular, I study the protists and micro-metazoans of freshwater environments. Most Wonderful in the Smallest came about as a result of realizing that there is very little literature available for the general public concerning freshwater microorganisms. She lives in Rensselaerville, New York, with my husband.