Nate Smith

Recruited, hired and lead a team of data science and geospatial professionals to provide direct support to the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODR&R) in hazard modeling, data analytics and GIS production. This team, conceived, designed, built and continues to maintain and enhance a model that employs machine learning from historical databases to estimate the potential loan application for future disaster events as they are unfolding. The team assembled the most authoritative historic and contemporary data to provide insights to support disaster related budget requests, operational planning and the fastest possible approval process for disaster recovery loans. This work utilizes custom python code and machine learning libraries developed for use within ArcGIS Pro to integrate interagency hazard data with national vulnerability data and near-real time power outage data to estimate the amount and location where loan requests can be expected. Operational mapping activities are supported through the development of scripts and templates to ensure speed and consistency of products. Our data solutions unit employed Tableau and SQL to create visualizations and reports, as well requests for data pulls for various other analytical efforts throughout the interagency and Executive branch of the US Government. We also have developed and maintained a knowledge Management Hub using ArcGIS Online technology as a repository for all key information means to ensure timely discoverability and transparency of our activities and capabilities.

Developed and deliver an asynchronous online course entitled GIS for Disaster Risk Reduction (GIS4DRR).

Supported the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 24/7 Technical Reachback capability. Provided leadership and expertise on the use of geospatial tools and data in achieving DTRA's mission of ensuring force protection and civilian safety from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazards (CBRNE). Conceived of, created, and maintained the GIS Knowledge Management Portal providing online discoverability and access to the full complement of GIS related resources. Completed training in hazard models to provide analysts expertise on remote sensing and conventional GIS data inputs to enhance analysis with these and other tools. Provided technical leadership on geo-centric model configuration, testing and training. Developed and tailored python scripts and Esri models to support specific analyst workflows. Led migration from Esri ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro including development of training scenarios, job aids and individual support, as well as coordinating instructor led training. Provided Esri Tier 1 support including licensing, training access and general GIS technical support.

Seeking new opportunities for Spring and Summer. Currently supporting commercial and academic partners to support the advancement of geospatial capabilities within the emergency management field. Primary focus is on geospatial preparedness and capability enhancement in non-profits, developing nations and operational mapping units.

Developed and presented online course entitled GIS for Disaster Risk Reduction in support of the Extreme Events Institute. This course included an international implementation workshop and is currently being offered in Spanish and delivered throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Future implementation workshops are being planned for Winter and Spring. Provide lectures and practical training to Masters program on GIS and GPS land navigation and data collection for the Academy for International Disaster Preparendess.

Led and supported teams of professionals on a range of geospatial projects supporting Homeland Security mission areas. These included; enhancing the Geospatial Concept of Operations (GeoCONOPS) community page for the DHS Geospatial Management Office and supporting the National Risk Management Center (NRMC) with geospatial expertise, innovation, crisis response and consulting. Previously supported supporting FEMA with the development of preliminary damage assessment (PDA) tools and the overall strategic development of their geospatial training and outreach and the Science and Technology Directorate of DHS in the First Responder Group's Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (FRG/OIC). Focused on maturing incident management information sharing through the development of capability maturity models, analysis of options for cloud computing solutions for public safety and mainstreaming Alerts, Warnings and Notifications (AWNs) via the GeoCONOPS. He also supported ICE with mapping and business intelligence insights into the international operations of ICE.

Taught graduate level courses conveying principles, concepts and skills relating to GIS as applied in Humanitarian, Disaster Management, International Development and Homeland Security context.

Teach graduate level course conveying principles, concepts and skills relating to GIS as applied in disaster management context. Combine core content with lectures from subject matter experts based in or traveling through Washington, DC. Delivered Introduction to GIS course as part of the GIS Certificate Program in Spring of 2016.

Supported humanitarian mapping and information Non-governmental organization with business development and general business, humanitarian and geospatial consulting.

Led the development of a line of business relating to the convergence of geospatial information and emergency management and coordinates the activities of a GIS team in supporting a broad range of clients and disciplines. Actively supported the development of web mapping and business intelligence systems. Formerly supported the USAID\NASA SERVIR project as the Coordination Office Disaster Lead. Duties included coordinating the development of a strategy and supporting portfolio of work that provides SERVIR with a coherent approach to applying earth observation and modeling capacity to disaster management in the developing world. Additional past project work includes supporting the American Red Cross, International Services Division in its efforts to scale-up its geospatial capacity, supported the development of a curriculum for training FEMA GIS managers and unit leaders, development of geospatial requirements for web mapping tools to facilitate marketing and outreach for energy efficiency programs and design and delivery of a tailored briefing for Virginia Tech graduate students, using custom cartography and Google Earth to prepare them for a field mission to Yunnan, China.

Concentrated on participatory engagement and geospatial applications in planning. Capstone paper entitles: Reducing Urban Risk to Natural Hazards in the Developing World: A Geospatial\Asset-Based Approach

Focus on physical geography, GIS and remote sensing.