Travelling, painting/sketching, DIY projects, watching movies, concerts, learn to cook/bake
Risha Smith
Senior Scientist
Cornelius
Summary
Accomplished Senior Scientist with extensive experience in nuclear field, adept in radiation instrumentation and fostering effective communication. Demonstrated a consistent high quality work, expertise in radioactive material handling, and procedure development - significantly enhancing safety and efficiency. Skilled in applying scientific principles to achieve results, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovation in radiation protection.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2025
2025
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
CCF Senior Scientist
Duke Energy
12.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: FSS ENRAD, Central Calibration Facility
- Qualified DOT/NRC Radioactive Waste Packaging, Transportation and Disposal Certification
- Assist with Capital and O&M purchases
- Position Lead - Field Monitoring Coordinator for Emergency Response Organization (ERO)
- Committee - EPRI Alpha Monitoring and RAM Control Guideline Working Group
- Manufacture source as needed
- Performs Radiation Protection instrument assessments (external/internal)
- Creates and reviews fleet/CCF procedures (procedure development)
- SME for Applied Science Center's Dosimetry program
- Performs set-up for Hopewell calibrator (used for calibrating instruments)
- Performs Passive Monitoring Testing for the sites
- Conducts training for Staff and Technicians as needed
- Testing new RP instruments
- Assist the sites with NRC-required documentations
- Verification of Radioactive material shipments
- Liaison for RP instruments (i.e., Ludlum, Thermosfisher, Mirion, Canberra)
- Assist with directing CCF technicians' calibration and site work in the absence of Supervisor
CCF Staff Scientist - II
Duke Energy
08.2021 - 11.2023
- Company Overview: FSS ENRAD, Central Calibration Facility
- Provides technical support of the FLEET Radiation Protection instrumentation program
- Assists and helps resolve various scientific/technical problems
- Development and maintenance of CCF procedures and technical documents
- Helps with the development and maintenance of fleet procedures and technical documents and helps maintain CCF documentation
- Supports CCF O&M and Capital budget
- Supports the RP Instrument Working Group
- Industry liaison on RP instrument issues (6 nuclear sites)
- Provide guidance in interpreting and monitoring compliance with governmental regulations and industry guidelines
- Performed external self-assessments and benchmarking (VC Summer - Dominion)
- Assist in the direction of CCF technicians and laboratory operation in Supervising Scientist’s absence
Nuclear Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
04.2016 - 07.2021
- Company Overview: FSS ENRAD, Central Calibration Facility
- Perform calibration and repair of nuclear fleet's radiation protection equipment (fixed contamination monitors, portable instruments, air sampler’s equipment, REMP air samplers, SCBA)
- Trained co-technicians on calibration of instruments
- Knowledge of radiation protection techniques and processes based on 10 CFR 20 regulations, NRC regulatory guides, and INPO Radiation Protection Guidelines
- Trained to be in-compliance with 10CFR37
- Helps and supports procedure revisions
- Perform radiation protection surveillance and control activities to support radioactive material control, measuring and testing equipment operations
- Utilizes and proficient with Sample Manager in performing tasks
- Perform basic troubleshooting techniques and electronic repairs
- Effectively communicates with personnel at all levels in a technical environment
- Review of calibration procedures and provides input based on acquired experience and assists with CCF
- Responses to emergent instrument repairs/troubleshooting at the sites
Science Technician-II
Duke Energy
07.2014 - 04.2016
- Company Overview: ASC Radiation Records & Dosimetry Lab
- Manage thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) support for nuclear sites
- Manage the electronic dosimeter (ED) program for multiple nuclear sites
- Maintain detailed records and reporting of all processes
- Operates and use application of computer hardware and software to support TLD processing and management of the ED program
- Maintain NVLAP qualifications as part of the TLD program responsibilities
- Resolve routine problems and participate in creation and review of laboratory procedures with acquired experience
- Communicate effectively with internal and external customers using excellent verbal and written skills
- Maintain and exercise awareness of safety on the job
- Participation in internal audits and various cross check programs
- Maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation and equipment
Radiation Protection Tech/Health Physicist
Bartlett Inc. (BHI)
09.2013 - 06.2014
- Company Overview: Duke Energy NC/SC Nuclear Sites
- Maintain safety of the public, environment, and nuclear plants from radiation exposure
- Measure and record level of radiation based on radiological surveys and job coverage
- Operate air samplers and record results of routine air sampling
- Operate different types of radiation detectors and evaluate how to minimize future radiation exposure or contamination
- Monitor employees with ingress/egress at the radioactive control areas (properly wearing protective gears and monitor their actual dose)
- Support proper disposal of radioactive waste and contaminated materials
- Implement and comply with ALARA safety program (as low as reasonably achievable)
- Strict compliance with the federal and state regulations
- Trained and knowledgeable with emergency preparedness plans
- Travel from site to site for outages
Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
03.2013 - 04.2013
- Company Overview: McGuire Nuclear Station
Intern-Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
10.2012 - 12.2012
- Company Overview: Oconee Nuclear Station
Education
MS - Nuclear Energy Technology Management
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ06-2024
BSAST - Radiation Protection
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJAssociates Degree - Radiation Protection Technology
Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SCCertificate - Fundamentals of Radiation Science
Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SCSkills
- Results analysis
- Application of scientific principles
- Radiation instrument calibration
- Radioactive material handling
- Radiation monitoring
- Dosimetry analysis
- Attention to detail
- Radiation protection regulations
- Environmental monitoring
- Communication skills
Training
- Duke Energy - Uplift for Aspiring People Leaders, 10/2023
- Six Sigma: Certified Lean Six Sigma (White Belt), AIGPE/Udemy, 10/2023
- DOT/NRC Radioactive Packaging, Transportation and Disposal certification, 01/2021
- WMG's RC-102 "Use of WMG Programs and Regulatory Interfaces", 08/2021
- MSA (The Safety Company) CARE - Initial Certification – Fire Service, 03/2019
- Canberra iCAM Alpha/Beta Air Monitor Training, 03/2017
- Rotunda Scientific Technologies Certificate (Harshaw TLD Training – Passive Dosimetry), 05/2015
- OJT/TPE – Radiation Protection Technician (Junior-RP Qualifications), 02/2013
Scholarshipgrants
- 2015, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholarship (US NRC)
- 2014, Department of Energy - Integrated University Program (DoE-IUP)
- 2012, National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT)
Interests
Timeline
CCF Senior Scientist
Duke Energy
12.2023 - Current
CCF Staff Scientist - II
Duke Energy
08.2021 - 11.2023
Nuclear Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
04.2016 - 07.2021
Science Technician-II
Duke Energy
07.2014 - 04.2016
Radiation Protection Tech/Health Physicist
Bartlett Inc. (BHI)
09.2013 - 06.2014
Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
03.2013 - 04.2013
Intern-Radiation Protection Technician
Duke Energy
10.2012 - 12.2012
BSAST - Radiation Protection
Thomas Edison State University
Associates Degree - Radiation Protection Technology
Spartanburg Community College
Certificate - Fundamentals of Radiation Science
Spartanburg Community College
MS - Nuclear Energy Technology Management
Thomas Edison State University
Similar Profiles
Karena BrownleeKarena Brownlee
Revenue Billing Account Specialist at Duke Power/Duke Energy CompanyRevenue Billing Account Specialist at Duke Power/Duke Energy Company
Brian PoirierBrian Poirier
Senior Business Systems Specialist at Deriva Energy/Duke Energy RenewablesSenior Business Systems Specialist at Deriva Energy/Duke Energy Renewables
Joseph MurrayJoseph Murray
Energy Auditor at Duke Energy / Franklin Energy / Tech USAEnergy Auditor at Duke Energy / Franklin Energy / Tech USA