Advisor, Environmental Assessment; Deputy Director of Operations, RemPlex
Advisor, Environmental Assessment; Deputy Director of Operations, RemPlex

Biography

Karen P. Smith joined PNNL as a technical advisor in 2020. Prior to that, she worked at Argonne National Laboratory for 30 years as an environmental scientist. Her career has focused on developing appropriate and effective energy-related policy and regulation. Specific areas of expertise include renewable energy development, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) management, energy development on federal lands, environmental regulatory compliance, and environmental impact analyses.

Smith has extensive experience in integrated environmental analyses, collaborative decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and development of effective training programs and technical networks. Starting in 2008, Smith has served as on the steering committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Network on Environmental Management and Remediation (ENVIRONET). She has served as chair of the network’s NORM project and was appointed chair of the network’s steering committee in 2020.

Disciplines and Skills

  • Energy Policy
  • Impact Assessment
  • Project Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Training Program Development

Education

  • MS in Geology, Southern Methodist University
  • BA in Geology, Southern Methodist University
  • BS in Anthropology, Southern Methodist University

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • National Association of Environmental Professionals
  • IAEA ENVIRONET