Principle Investigator 

Dr. Smith is Director of the Environmental Physiology Laboratory and Environmental Chamber facilities, and leads the Environmental and Occupational Physiology (EOP) Research Group. Dr.  Smith's research focuses on human thermoregulation and physiological responses to environmental stressors.  Current research includes utilizing novel approaches for assessing absorption of contaminants through the skin and assessing key factors modulating absorption during occupational exposure in firefighters. Understanding carcinogen exposure routes is of fundamental importance in various occupational settings to inform risk mitigation strategies and improve long-term health outcomes. Additional lines of investigation in Dr. Smith's research group include examining physiological responses of firefighters wearing differing PPE in real-world scenarios, and associated heat-related illness and injury risk.