This year, the wide array of experts who share their knowledge with students in EOH’s Environmental & Occupational Health in a Sustainable World class (PUBH 6004) includes David Smith, MS, PhD. Smith’s decades of experiences analyzing and dealing with radioactive materials and disasters include supporting the U.S. Air Force response to the Fukushima Daiichi reactor accident in Japan in 2011.
After the Fukushima accident, Smith, who served in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, authored daily intelligence briefs for the Air Force Surgeon General, Air Force Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force. He also coordinated the Air Force medical response in support of the event.
Smith’s work with troops and civilians dealing with radioactive materials at bases throughout the country also included developing, directing, and implementing the Air Force’s worldwide radiation policy. This guidance for the use and control of radioactive material and radiation-producing devices was developed for use by more than 636,000 active duty, guard and reserve personnel and includes emergency response to nuclear and radiological events throughout the world, as well as environmental aspects of radioactive material use.
Over the course of his career, Smith earned various military awards and commendations. His many achievements also include earning two patents.