Title:

Responding to a Nuclear Emergency and What You Can Do to Help

Speaker:

Dr. Armin Ansari

Affiliation:

CDC (Center for Disease Control/Prevention)

When:

Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

Boggs Building, Room 3-47

Host:

Nolan Hertel
nolan.hertel@nre.gatech.edu
404.894.3601

Abstract

In a nuclear or radiological emergency, response agencies at all levels of government will face many difficult issues trying to meet the needs of the affected population in every community. Limitations in available federal resources and a large gap in the availability of radiation protection expertise at state governments, leaves local governments facing serious challenges in trying to meet the needs of displaced populations in their communities. Radiation professionals in the academia and the private sector can help their local communities be better prepared to respond to such emergencies. This presentation will provide an overview of the public health response to radiological and nuclear emergencies, explains why assistance from local radiation professionals is needed, and how interested individuals can volunteer, be trained, and contribute to building a more resilient community.

Biography

Dr. Armin Ansari is a health physicist at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention serving as subject matter expert in CDC’s radiation emergency preparedness and response activities. He has represented CDC on the federal Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health, serves on a Homeland Security Council interagency committee for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear threats, and was a contributing author to the federal Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation. Dr. Ansari received both his BS and PhD degrees in radiation biophysics from the University of Kansas, starting his career as a radiation biologist, and did his postdoctoral research at Oak Ridge and Los Alamos National Laboratories where he was an Alexander Hollaender Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow. Prior to joining CDC, he was a senior scientist with the radiological consulting firm of Auxier & Associates in Knoxville, TN. He was a 2006 nominee for CDC’s Charles C. Shepard Science Award and the 2009 recipient of Excellence in Public Health Practice Award from the National Center for Environmental Health. Dr. Ansari is the author of the textbook Radiation Threats and Your Safety: A Guide to Preparation and Response for Professionals and Community.

Notes

Refreshments will be served.