Teaching, etc.

Emory University

James is an adjunct professor in the Environmental Health Division of the Rollins School of Public Health. Faculty Bio

Here is a product of some of his work on nuclear terrorism for Emory. And here is related work developed next door at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Radiological Terrorism: Just in Time Training for Hospital Clinicians

 

 

The CDC University

During the last ten years, James and his colleague, Dr. Armin Ansari, one of the nation’s top health physicists, have taught workshops on responding to nuclear and radiological events and disasters for the CDC University. Over 3,000 public health officials and environmental health specialists throughout the nation have participated in these workshops. Dr. Ansari is President Emeritus of the U.S. Health Physics Society, a member of the congressionally-chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, and serves as member of the United States delegation to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). He authored Radiation Threats and Your Safety: A Guide to Preparation and Response for Professionals and Community, a book specifically directed at audiences without radiation protection expertise.

 

Brenau University’s Learning and Leisure Institute

“Contemporary Issues in a Changing World”

Oct. 5 -Nov. 9, 2016, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm,

Braselton, GA Town Hall complex

 James M. Smith, PhD, Course Facilitator

We see our world changing rapidly. The knowledge base in most traditional fields is doubling every ten years–or faster. Our goal in this class is to re-visit what we’ve learned, to stretch and exercise our minds. In some cases our long held beliefs may be challenged, influencing the way we think about what we read or hear. We’ll have ample opportunity to interact with guest speakers who are nationally recognized experts in their fields. They’ve come from Emory, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, University of Florida, the Federal Reserve Bank, the CDC, the American Cancer Society, and more. They share insight on issues directly affecting our lives. We’ll enjoy the ride!

2016 LIST OF GUEST SPEAKERS with Bios and pictures.

Talk Titles and Dates (2016):

SCHEDULE CHANGE: (Oct. 5) “What is Happening in American Politics: 2016 and Beyond,” Robert Grafstein, PhD, Interim Dean, School of Public and International Affairs, Department of Political Science, and Georgia Athletic Association Professor, University of Georgia.

(Oct. 12) “Choosing Wisely: Increasing the Use of Medical Treatments That Work and Getting Rid of Those That Don’t,” David Howard, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.

SCHEDULE CHANGE: (Oct. 19) “Genetically Modified (GMO) Food in America: What Are We Eating Today, What’s Coming Tomorrow—and Why?” Wayne Allen Parrott, PhD, Professor of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia. 

(Oct. 26) “Faith and Religion: The Surprising Impact They Have on Medicine, Health Care, and Aging,” Ellen L. Idler, PhD, Emory University, Director of the Religion and Public Health Collaborative, and Professor, Departments of Sociology and Epidemiology.

SCHEDULE CHANGE: (Nov. 2) “Global Terrorism and the Threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction,” Margaret E. Kosal, PhD, 
Associate Professor, 
Sam Nunn School Of International Affairs, Ivan Allen College
, Georgia Institute Of Technology

SCHEDULE CHANGE: (Nov. 9) THE NIGHT AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: “Election 2016: What Does it All Mean for America and Politics?” Douglas Young, Jr., PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science and International Affairs, University of North Georgia

 2013 Panel on “The Role of Religion in a Changing World”

University of Georgia’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

November 2 & 9, 2016: A GENTLE INTRODUCTION TO RADIATION: Risks and Benefits (James M. Smith, PhD), University of Georgia

What is “radiation” anyway? How can it both cause and cure cancer? Did you know that our food and water are radioactive? Knowledge of radiation and its effects has progressed over the past century, yet the basic concepts are surprisingly straightforward. We’ll critique the spectrum, from cellphones to CT scans to radon—and much more, including learning surprising

tidbits about some of the scientists who laid the foundation of what we know. Our goal is to learn enough about radiation and its potential health effects to enlighten our friends and to ask the right questions of our health care providers.

Working with the Japanese following the Fukushima disaster:

James M. Smith, adjunct professor at Emory University in the US and former consultant with the International Atomic Energy Agency, spoke at the Food Summit in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on 30 Nov. 2011. The theme of the summit was the regeneration of food-related businesses in areas hit by the March disasters, when a magnitude 9 mega quake, tsunamis and a nuclear accident in Fukushima caused widespread damage. Prof. Smith has been acting as a special adviser in the region on radiation issues.

(Photographer: Robert Gilhooly)