Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, UK, 2008
  • M.Sc., Particle Physics, Durham University, England, 2002
  • B.A., Astrophysics, University of California, Berkeley, 2001
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Mechanical, California, #39547
  • OSHA 30 Hour Outreach Training Program - General Industry
Professional Honors
  • Pre-doctoral Research Fellowship, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 2005-2008

Dr. Smith is a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in investigating the performance of industrial machinery and consumer products within the context of both accident investigations and intellectual property disputes. Leveraging his experience in investigating workplace accidents (including industrial lathes, lifts, mixers, molding equipment, baggers, and conveyors), he regularly assists clients by synthesizing complex sources of information, physical evidence, and regulatory requirements yielding valuable insights into both accident causation and prevention.

Dr. Smith also assists clients in investigating technical issues related to many types of intellectual property disputes. Drawing on his background in both experimental physics and mechanical engineering, he has provided analysis related to both patent infringement and validity for a wide variety of technology including industrial vehicles, exercise equipment, textile production machinery, aerospace fasteners, and remote sensing technology. These analyses have been used in district court, PTAB filings, and trade secret litigation.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Smith's research in experimental astrophysics was focused on the development and application of radiation detector technology. This work included modeling and developing sensor packages, as well as signal processing and communication electronics. Additionally, due to his role in the commissioning and construction of astronomical observatories, Dr. Smith has a background in the mechanical dynamics of large, movable structures as well as coating/degradation processes in mirror surfaces.

Dr. Smith has held research and teaching faculty appointments at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Maryland and Northwestern University. Dr. Smith has been invited to present lectures on a wide variety of topics in physics at conferences and workshops in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has served as both a primary and contributing author on over 50 peer reviewed articles in the physical sciences.