Dr. James W. Smiley received his undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from The Pennsylvania State University in 1960. Following graduation, he was employed by the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory operated by the General Electric Company in Schenectady, NY. While working on the Reactor Physics design of a Nuclear Powered Destroyer for the US Navy, he received an M.S. degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. In 1963, he returned to Penn State and earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering (1966). Returning to the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Dr. Smiley developed new and advanced designs for the US Submarine force, and also earned an M.S. degree in Industrial Administration. As his management responsibilities for reactor physics, performance, and safety increased, Dr. Smiley was appointed (1977) Project Manager for a new reactor program with responsibilities for development of future design concepts. In 1992, Dr. Smiley became Project Manager for the new Virginia Class Submarine program and development of advanced technology for future designs. He retired from the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in 2001 with 38 years of service.

In February 2003, Dr. Smiley was asked to help investigate the cause of the Columbia Space Shuttle Accident. For this work, he was awarded an individual NASA Public Service Medal, as well as a NASA Group Achievement Award. Following this assignment, he became a Consultant for Lockheed Martin’s NASA proposal to explore Jupiter’s Icy Moons.

Dr Smiley’s hobbies include skiing, golf, wood working, and coaching women’s Fast-Pitch Softball. He also spends a lot of time with his 14 grandchildren with the goal of interesting them in attending Penn State's College of Engineering.

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