CRAIG KENTON SMITH, Ph.D.
PHYSICIST
Seeking New Challenges in Earth Remote Sensing
Now Available to Discuss Potential Opportunities

Current Location: Alexandria, VA
e-mail: cksmith@cksmith.org

A SHORT OVERVIEW

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES

I seek new challenges and adventures in microwave, infrared, or optical remote sensing which enable continued development my wide range of interests and high-level skills in physics and supporting mathematics. I look forward to finding these in an environment where growth and cross-pollination are possible, the talent is diverse, and professional development is encouraged and valued.

PARTICULAR INTERESTS

I am experienced and highly motivated in the following areas: remote sensing physics, algorithm development and testing, and sensor requirements development; climate studies; astronomical imaging, detection systems and algorithms; discovery and statistical analysis of astronomical objects. I also maintain interests in conservation biology, mathematical ecology, science and environmental policy.

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

My greatest strength is my methodology for approaching problems, which combines my abilities for rapid study, grasping the phenomenology, and free thinking, with my background in experimental physics and its application to diverse fields. I am detail oriented. In the past 5 years, I have excelled at: remote sensing physics, simulations, and retrieval algorithms; sensor error analyses and requirements setting; calibration analyses; statistical analyses; technical writing and presentations; rapid startup of new projects; working as a team with diverse corporate and research cultures; addressing customer concerns and ensuring customer satisfaction.

THE COMPLETE CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Physics, University of California, Berkeley, 1994
Dissertation: "Supernova Rates for the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search Using V and R Band Light Curves"
Advisor: Prof. Richard A. Muller
A.B. Physics and Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, 1983

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Scientist II, Computational Physics, Inc., Springfield, VA, 2001-Present

  • WindSat Microwave Radiometer, Naval Research Laboratory: Overhauled retrieval code for sea surface temperature, wind vector, and precipitable water; increased throughput by a factor of 26, improved performance substantially, and implemented cloud liquid water retrieval. Developed error analysis tools for improved algorithm characterization. Simulated WindSat measurements. Provided technical support and oversight to development effort for updated atmospheric radiative transfer code. Maintained and improved two-scale model for ocean surface emissivity. Defined architecture and external data requirements for operational algorithms. Gave presentations to FNMOC (customer) and at professional symposiums. Led efforts to develop regression algorithms and fast atmospheric parameterizations, and to convert research code to operational algorithms.
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    Scientist, Satellite Oceanography, Remote Sensing Systems (RSS), Santa Rosa CA, 1997-2001

  • Conical Scanning Microwave Imager Sounder (CMIS), Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc. (BSS): Subcontractor through Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc., during sensor/algorithm development and government downselect period for this NPOESS radiometer.
  • Environmental Data Record (EDR): Simulated polarimetric microwave brightness temperatures (TBs) using RSS ocean-atmosphere radiative transfer model (RTM). Developed CMIS EDR retrieval algorithms (physical and regression) for sea surface temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and wind stress. Quantified EDR algorithm performance using simulated TBs. Optimized EDR algorithm performance through channel set, feed layout, scan geometry, noise, and other sensor trades. Supported EDR requirement and sensor design changes, and RTM development.
  • Sensor Data Record (SDR): Developed equations for fully polarimetric (4 Stokes parameter) cross-polarization matrix for CMIS antenna. Advised BSS on computing cross-polarization matrix from antenna measurements. Derived expressions for and developed code to simulate Faraday rotation (FR) and sensor errors (polarization rotation, earth incidence angle, and cross-polarization). Designed, coded, and tested robust SDR algorithm for FR and sensor error corrections. Combined FR and sensor error simulation with SDR algorithm to create end-to-end radiometric simulation.
  • Environmental Factors, Sensor Error Requirements, and Calibration: Coupled end-to-end radiometric simulation with EDR algorithms to determine EDR error sensitivity to knowledge of FR and sensor errors. Derived knowledge requirements from sensitivity analyses (flowed EDR requirements to sensor requirements). Adapted on-orbit calibration methods and simulated effect of calibration on CMIS SDRs and EDRs.
  • Program Management: Documented sensor trades and sensor error requirements. Gave presentations at six government reviews. Co-authored Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) for SDR correction algorithms and principal author on ATBD for EDR algorithms. Coordinated CMIS work at RSS. Managed contacts and information requests from government, sub- and prime contractors. Worked closely with BSS engineers on sensor optimization. Developed work plans, schedules, and cost estimates for contractors.

  • Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (ADEOS-II AMSR):
  • Packaged sea surface temperature, wind speed, and water vapor retrieval algorithms and managed delivery to NASDA, Japan. Represented RSS at Third ADEOS-II AMSR Workshop (algorithm competition) and Joint Science Team Meeting in Tokyo, Japan.
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    Search Volunteer, Supernova Cosmology Project, Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1997

  • High Redshift Supernova Search: Assisted colleagues from graduate work in their search for supernovae at cosmological distances, for a new, independent determination of the density of the universe and Einstein cosmological constant. Flat-fielded and archived incoming CCD images from a multitude of large telescopes. Operated supernova detection software, verified detections, and communicated supernova candidates and photometry to observatory staffs. Developed selection criteria for follow-up spectroscopy of supernova candidates.
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    Independent Project (Contractor), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1996

  • Urban Climate Change: Under loose supervision of Dr. Art Rosenfeld at DOE HQ (now California Energy Commissioner), performed historical analysis of climate records for Los Angeles County. Identified Cooperative Network stations with more than 45 years of operation, and downloaded NCDC temperature data. Determined linear trends in monthly mean extremal temperatures, and assessed their statistical significance. Characterized patterns of climate change with respect to local climatology and geography. Compared findings with the literature. Authored report of findings.
    • Post Doctoral Fellow/Energy Policy Analyst, Heat Island Project, Energy Analysis Program, Energy and Environment Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1994 - 1996
  • Data Sources for Heat Island Research: Performed World Wide Web and literature searches, and polled climatological community to identify existing and new sources of climate data (air quality, utility, and agricultural weather networks) for urban heat island research; co-authored publication of results. Performed spatial analysis of diurnal temperature profiles for 11 stations around Reno, Nevada. Analyzed monthly mean temperature trends 1955-1985 for Los Angeles and Washington D.C. stations; prepared technical note of findings.
  • Urban Microclimates: Conducted an experiment to measure microclimate impact of urban landscape features. Performed data analysis, identified diurnal signals of features, and used findings to refine protocol for measurement of neighborhood-scale temperatures. Prepared peer-reviewed publication of findings.
  • Impact of High Albedo Surfaces: Designed, prepared, and executed an experiment to measure air temperature gradients over a high albedo surface; analyzed data, and prepared a technical note of findings.
  • Cool Roofing Materials: Prepared and measured spectral reflectivity of roofing material samples using a spectrophotometer. Reduced data to mean solar reflectance, and analyzed as a function manufacturing parameters. Championed improvement of sample preparation and measurement procedure. Developed concept phase of an on-line database for cool roofing materials.

    • Graduate Student Research Assistant, Astrophysics Group, Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1985 - 1994

  • Berkeley Automated Supernova Search, 1985 - 1994: Developed and implemented scientific strategies to select target galaxies, monitor search performance, and reject false detections. Responsibilities included: training and supervising observing staff, scheduling observations, troubleshooting automated telescope control software and electronics, developing software to automate nightly telescope calibration functions, querying observation database, tuning image analysis code, verifying and reporting supernova candidates, supernova photometry, integration, testing, and calibration of new CCD imaging devices. Participated directly in the discovery of 20 supernovae.
  • Infrared Search for Supernovae in IRAS Galaxies, 1992: Participated in design and implementation of the test-of-concept search system. Observed galaxies using NICMOS detector and 40 inch telescope. Developed image cleaning algorithms and adapted image analysis and supernova detection software from the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search.

    • PRESENTATIONS

    WindSat (Ocean EDR Algorithm Development)
    "WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithms: Recent Advances and Development of the Operational Environmental Data Record Process", Maryland, June 2003
    "The WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithms: Methodology and Results", WindSat Science Team Meeting, Arlington VA, November 2002
    "The WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithm: Methodology and Results", Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, Cambridge MA, July 2002
    WindSat EDRP: Code Architecture and External Data Requirements, FNMOC/NRL Monterey, February 2002

    Conical Scanning Microwave Imager Sounder (Ocean Algorithm Suite, SDR Algorithms, Calibration)
    Preliminary Design Review, Los Angeles, February 2001
    Preliminary Design Supplementary Review, Los Angeles, October 2000
    Interim Design Review, Los Angeles, January 2000
    System Functional Review, Los Angeles, May 1999
    Technical Interchange Meeting (Swath Width Investigation & Analysis), Los Angeles, January 1999
    System Requirements Review, Los Angeles, October 1998

    Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (Ocean EDR Algorithms)
    Third ADEOS-II AMSR Workshop, Earth Observation Research Center, National Space Development Agency of Japan, Tokyo, November 1998

    Berkeley Automated Supernova Search
    "A New Determination of the Supernova Rate for the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search", 184th American Astronomical Society Meeting, Minneapolis, June 1994
    "Type Ib and Ic Supernova Light Curve Templates and the Determination of SN Ibc Rates" (poster session), 182nd American Astronomical Society Meeting, Berkeley, June 1993
    "The State of the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search and Supernova Rates Derived from the Search", Automated Photoelectric Telescope Workshop IV, Tucson, November 1991
    "Recent Advances in the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search: The Introduction of a Real-time System", Ninth Annual Fairborn- Smithsonian- IAPPP Symposium: "Automatic Small Telescopes", Tucson, February 1988

    PUBLICATIONS

    1. Existing Climate Data Sources and Their Use in Heat Island Research, B. Pon, D.M. Kurn, C. K. Smith, H. Akbari, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Report, LBL-41973, 1999.

    2. Microclimate Effects Near the Ground in the Suburban Environment, C. K. Smith, S. E. Bretz, and H. Akbari, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Report, LBL-37876, June 1996.

    3. Supernova Rates for the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search Using V and R Band Light Curves, C. K. Smith, Ph.D. Dissertation, UC Berkeley, December 1994.

    4. Photometric and Spectroscopic Observations of SN 1990E in NGC1035--Observational Constraints for Models of Type II Supernovae, B.P. Schmidt, R.P. Kirshner, R. Schild, B. Leibungut, and others, Astronomical Journal, 105, pp. 2236-2250, June, 1993.

    5. High Rate for Type Ic Supernovae, R.A. Muller, H.J. Marvin-Newberg, C.R. Pennypacker, S. Perlmutter, T.P. Sasseen, C.K. Smith, Ap. J. Lett., 384, L9-L13, January 1, 1992.

    6. Progress and New Directions for the Berkeley Supernova Search, S. Perlmutter, H. J. Marvin, R. A. Muller, C.R. Pennypacker, T.P. Sasseen, and C.K. Smith in Supernovae, S.E. Woosley, ed., pp. 727-730, Springer-Verlag (1991).

    7. Preliminary Estimates of the Core-collapse Supernova Rates from the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search, C.R. Pennypacker, S. Perlmutter, R.A. Muller, E. Hamilton, C.K. Smith, T.P. Sasseen, S. Carlson, H. J. Marvin, L-P. Wang, F. Crawford, R. Treffers, and S. Bludman, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Report, LBL-30590, and published in the Proceedings of the Supernova Watch Workshop, Los Angeles, CA, November 26- 27, 1990.

    8. A Search for Nemesis; Current Status and Review of Theory, S. Perlmutter, R.A. Muller, C.R. Pennypacker, C.K. Smith, L.P. Wang, S. White, H.S. Yang, in Global Catastrophes in Earth History, an Interdisciplinary Conference on Impacts, Volcanism, and Mass Mortality, Virgil L. Sharpton, editor, pp.87-91, Geological Society of America (1990).

    9. The First Year (almost) of Real-Time Automated Operation of the Berkeley Supernova Search, S. Perlmutter, F. Crawford, H.J. Marvin, R.A. Muller, C.R. Pennypacker, T. Sasseen, C.K. Smith, L.P. Wang, in Particle Astrophysics: Forefront Experimental Issues, E.B. Norman editor, pp. 196-197, World Scientific (1989).

    10. Automated Supernova Discoveries: Status of the Berkeley Project, C.R. Pennypacker, F. Crawford, H.J. Marvin, R.A. Muller, S. Perlmutter, T. Sasseen, C.K. Smith, R. Treffers, R. Williams, L.P. Wang, in Particle Astrophysics: Forefront Experimental Issues, E.B. Norman editor, pp. 188-189, World Scientific (1989).

    11. Observation of the Type II Supernova in M99, C.R. Pennypacker, M.S. Burns, F.S. Crawford, P.G. Friedman, J.R. Graham, J.T. Kare, R. A. Muller, S. Perlmutter, C.K. Smith, R.R. Treffers, R.W. Williams, G. Basri, J. Bixler, A.V. Filippenko, C. Foltz, D.R. Garnett, R.P. Harkness, V. Junkkarinen, R. Kennicutt, P.J. McCarthy, H. Spinrad, J.C. Wheeler, H. Willick, B.J. Wills, Astronomical Journal 97, 186-193, plate p.313 (January 1989).

    12. Recent Advances in the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search: The Introduction of a Real-Time System, C.K. Smith, F. Crawford, R.A. Muller, C. Pennypacker, S. Perlmutter, T. Sasseen, R. Williams, R. Treffers in Automatic Small Telescopes, ed. D.S. Hayes and R. M. Genet, pp. 46-64 Fairborn Observatory Press (1988).

    13. The Status of Berkeley's Real-time Supernova Search, S. Perlmutter, F.S. Crawford, R.A. Muller, C.R. Pennypacker, T.P. Sasseen, C.K. Smith, R. Treffers, and R. Williams, in Instrumentation for Ground-Based Optical Astronomy, Conference Proceeding, Santa Cruz 1987, pp. 674-680 (1988).

    SOFTWARE SKILLS (OLDER BUT USABLE SKILLS IN PARENTHESES)

    Operating Systems: UNIX, Windows NT/98, (Mac), (VMS)
    Languages: Fortran 95/90/77/IV, (C), (Basic)
    Applications: MS Word, PowerPoint, Fortran Developer Studio, etc.
    Analysis: IDL, Kaleidagraph, MatLab, (VISTA)
    Database: (Oracle SQL)
    Web: HTML

    HONORS

    Phi Beta Kappa
    Sigma Pi Sigma

    PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

    American Geophysical Union, Ocean Sciences Section

    PUBLIC POLICY EXPERIENCE

  • Finalist, American Institute of Physics (AIP) Congressional Science Fellowship, 1997: Prepared position paper and presentation for mock congressional briefing (with AIP panel) on the listing process of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Identified and defined scope of problem using Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports and issue briefs. Used National Research Council (NRC) publications, academic journals, and public opinion research to formulate potential solutions. Spoke with members of NRC Committee on Science Issues in the ESA, CRS staff, and Fish and Wildlife Service listing teams to assess efficacy and practicality of potential solutions. Gave briefing in Washington DC.
  • Caltrans Interstate 80 Expansion at Emeryville California, 1992: Studied draft environmental impact report for a freeway expansion affecting the Emeryville Crescent Wetland. Performed an observational experiment to determine the primary causes of traffic congestion in the I-80 corridor. Photo-documented avian species and their behavior at the wetland. Reported findings at public hearings of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), and presented alternatives addressing causes of congestion while allowing the wetland to remain intact. Authored follow-up report. Spoke in person with Commission staff regarding wetland mitigation requirements, and by phone with members of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which also had jurisdiction. (Due to the input of many citizens, BCDC developed a compromise solution utilizing elevated ramps over the wetland.)
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    POPULAR PRESS ARTICLES

    The Feinstein Test, Opinion, San Francisco Chronicle, October 5, 1994
    Habitat Loss is Lethal, Opinion, San Francisco Chronicle, August 30, 1994