PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES
I seek new challenges and adventures in microwave, infrared, or optical earth remote sensing that enable continued development my wide range of interests and high-level skills in physics, supporting mathematics and system engineering. 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 and algorithms requirements development; detailed analyses and diagnosis of sensor measurement anomalies; astronomical imaging, detection systems and algorithms; discovery and statistical analysis of rare astronomical objects. I also maintain interests in conservation biology, and science and environmental policy.
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
My greatest strength is my methodology for approaching problems, which combines my abilities for rapid study, locating and querying the experts, grasping the phenomenology, and free thinking, with my background in experimental physics and its application to diverse fields. I am very detail oriented. Throughout the past 12 years, I have excelled at: remote sensing physics, sensor measurement simulation, and innovative approaches to geophysical retrieval algorithms; sensor and algorithms error analyses and budget construction, and requirements development; connecting sensor performance to geophysical retrieval algorithm performance; calibration analyses; statistical analyses; technical writing and presentations; rapid startup of new projects; working as a team with diverse corporate and research cultures; coordinating interdependent performance analyses across numerous university, industry, and government laboratory groups; addressing customer concerns and ensuring customer satisfaction.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
2008-2010: Performance Lead for Microwave Imager/Sounder (MIS) Algorithm Performance Team, National Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite Systems (NPOESS) Program Office.
2007: Development of MIS Conceptual Model, and use in performing trade studies on radiometer antenna configuration, and in deriving MIS sensor and ocean algorithm performance requirements.
2006: Theoretical discovery and verification of--and development of mitigation methods for--the "Shadowing Effect," a previously unexplained spurious signal seen in polarimetric microwave remote sensing.
2005: Analysis showing that standard on-orbit calibration methods can remove most of the effect of cross-polarization bias errors in third and fourth Stokes radiometer measurements; enables relaxation of cross-polarization error requirements from challenging, heritage values.
2004: Development of ultra-fast microwave ocean wind vector retrieval algorithm that enables demonstration of polarimetric microwave radiometer capabilities prior to completion of on-orbit calibration. (Algorithm is insensitive to static linear and quadratic errors and cross-polarization in measured brightness temperatures.)
2001: Principal author, Ocean Algorithm Suite Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document, for Boeing Conical Scanning Microwave Imager/Sounder (CMIS).
1999: Derivation and publication, for Boeing CMIS Team, of expressions for fully polarimetric antenna cross-polarization matrix in terms of antenna measurements.
1998: Development of first complete, physically based, ocean wind vector retrieval algorithm for polarimetric microwave radiometers.
CORPORATE AWARDS
EDUCATION
RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Engineering Specialist, Level II, The Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, 2004-Present
Co-developed MIS Conceptual Model: a complete GRASP electromagnetic model of local NPOESS bus geometry and MIS antenna, based on modifications of WindSat design to accommodate additional feeds for sounding channels; coupled with Excel spreadsheets to compute scan geometry (footprint sizes, scan arc radii, swath width, sampling intervals, integration times) from GRASP output, as a function of antenna boresight nadir angle; computed radiometer noise (NEDTs) from integration times, bandpasses, and receiver mock-ups. Optimized feed placement to maximize swath width without degrading EDR performance. Derived initial retrieval cell size and shape for each EDR. Leveraged resources of MIS Performance Team (“MPT” from U. Colorado, U. Mich., U. of A. Huntsville, Naval Research Lab) to transform scan geometry into compositing noise reduction factors (NRFs) for each cell size, and to determine ocean EDR performance from effective NEDTs for retrieval cells. Finalized Conceptual Design, utilizing all resources above, to conduct iterative trade on boresight nadir angle to meet heritage swath width requirements while exceeding legacy performance requirements for legacy EDRs and acceptable performance for other EDRs. Used Conceptual Model results to define channel bandpass, footprint size, measurement swath width, sampling interval, and NEDT requirements for MIS Sensor Specification, and to revise swath width and EDR performance for non-legacy EDRs in the Algorithm and System Specifications.
Based on previous work for CMIS and WindSat, developed MIS requirements for cross-polarization, polarization rotation angle, and Earth incidence angle control and knowledge errors for System and Sensor Specifications. Authored significant sections of System, Sensor, and Algorithm Specifications. Performed side-by-side reviews of all MIS Specification Documents and developed “issues lists” for iterative adjudication with program office personnel. Reviewer on selection team for MIS sensor contractor.
Scientist II, Computational Physics, Inc., Springfield, VA, 2001-2004
Scientist, Satellite Oceanography, Remote Sensing Systems (RSS), Santa Rosa CA, 1997-2001
Search Volunteer, Supernova Cosmology Project, Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1997
Independent Project (Contractor), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1996
Graduate Student Research Assistant, Astrophysics Group, Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1985 - 1994
CONFERENCES
Spurious 3rd and 4th Stokes Signals (“Shadowing”) In Polarimetric Microwave Radiometry Over the Oceans: Origin, Characteristics, and Mitigation , Craig Smith and David Thompson, International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium 2008 (IGARSS’08) ,
6-11 July 2008; Boston, MA.
Shadowing of 3rd and 4th Stokes Signals in Polarimetric Microwave Radiometry,
Craig Kenton Smith, David Thompson, Peter W. Gaiser, William Johnston, Michael H. Bettenhausen,
International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium 2006 (IGARSS’06)
31 July - 04 Aug 2006; Denver, CO.
A Statistical Approach to WindSat Ocean Retrievals,
Craig K. Smith, Peter W. Gaiser, Patrick C. Crane, Laurence Connor
International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium 2004 (IGARSS’04), Anchorage, AK.
A Physical Algorithm for WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrievals,
Craig K. Smith, Michael Bettenhausen, Richard M. Bevilacqua,
Magdalena D. Anguelova, Nai-Yu Wang, Peter W. Gaiser,
International Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium 2004 (IGARSS’04), Anchorage, AK.
The WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithm: Methodology and Results, Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium, July 2002, Cambridge, MA.
PRESENTATIONS
WindSat (Ocean EDR Algorithm Development)
"WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithms: Recent Advances and Development of the Operational Environmental Data Record Process", WindSat Science Team Meeting, Solomons Island, Maryland, June 2003
"The WindSat Ocean/Atmosphere Retrieval Algorithms: Methodology and Results", WindSat Science Team Meeting, Arlington VA, November 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.
A Nonlinear Optimization Algorithm for WindSat Wind Vector Retrievals ,
M. H. Bettenhausen, C. K. Smith, R. M. Bevilacqua, N.-Y. Wang, P. W. Gaiser,
and S. Cox, IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens. , vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 597-610, Mar. 2006.
doi: 10.1109/TGRS.2005.862504
2.
A Statistical Approach to WindSat Ocean Surface Wind Vector Retrieval ,
C. K. Smith, M. Bettenhausen, and P. W. Gaiser,
IEEE Geosci. Remote Sens. Lett. , vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 164-168, Jan. 2006.
doi: 10.1109/LGRS.2005.860661
3.
WindSat Ground Data Processing and Wind Retrieval Algorithm ,
P. W. Gaiser, D. Richardson, C. K. Smith, N.-Y. Wang, R. M. Bevilacqua,
2003 OCEANS Marine Tech. Soc./ IEEE Conference Proceedings , Sept 22-26, 2003,
San Diego CA
doi: 10.1109/OCEANS.2003.178554
4.
WindSat Atmospheric Forward Model Comparisons , N.-Y. Wang, P. S. Chang, R. M. Bevilacqua, C. K. Smith, P. Gaiser,
IEEE International Geosci. Remote Sens. Symposium ,
vol. 1, pp. 556-557, 2002, toronto canada june 24-28,
doi: 10.1109/IGARSS.2002.1025104.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).
11. 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.
12. 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).
13. 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).
14. 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).
13. 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).
14. 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).
15. 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
Languages: Fortran 95/90/77/IV, (C), (Basic)
Analysis: IDL, MatLab, Excel, Kaleidagraph
Database: (Oracle SQL)
Web: HTML
HONOR SOCIETIES
Phi Beta Kappa
Sigma Pi Sigma
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Geophysical Union, Ocean Sciences Section
IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society
PUBLIC POLICY EXPERIENCE
POPULAR PRESS ARTICLES
The Feinstein Test, Opinion, San Francisco Chronicle, October 5, 1994
Habitat Loss is Lethal, Opinion, San Francisco Chronicle,
August 30, 1994