Type Of Business:
Community college
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Geology; Chemistry
Major Product/SVS:
Higher education
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling with her family; Camping; Taking long walks on trails
Education Degrees:
Associate Degree in Geology and Languages (1986); Coursework in Geology, California State University, Fullerton
Affiliations Awards:
American Chemical Society; American Society of Safety Engineers; National Audubon Society, Inc.; Chairwoman, The Green Alternative Committee on Recycling, Irvine Valley College
Date of Distinction:
5/31/2011
Charity:
Various Multiple Sclerosis and AIDS Fundraisers; Irvine Valley College Fund Scholarship; The Nature Conservancy; National Geographic Society; Sponsor for a Young Boy in Sierra Leone
Number Of Years In Profession:
25
Number Of Years In Current Position:
23
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her upbringing, hard work, ethics and honesty.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after starting as an English major. She then took a geology class that was required, changed her major and earned an associate degree in geology. She worked as a chemist at a sand mine until there was an opening at Irvine Valley College.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Smith has been employed as senior lab technician in the physical sciences department at Irvine Valley College for 22 years. She has three stepchildren in Pennsylvania and Florida, two step-grandchildren, and two daughters (one in Florida and one in California). She honeymooned in New Zealand and previously worked as a quality control chemist.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing the chemistry laboratory at Irvine Valley College; Overseeing and ordering inventory; Speaking with vendors; Setting up experiments for students; Handling hazardous waste and chemical hygiene; Acting as a governess
Education Certifications:
Certification in Hazardous Material Management and Environmental Management, University of California, Irvine
Awards/Honors:
Outstanding Employee of the Year, Irvine Valley College (2011-2012)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Smith intends to consult at community colleges.