Rod Nickell is the featured CLSO in our Volume 10, issue 3 of our quarterly newsletter. Read more about him in his own words below...
My name is Rod Nickell; I live in Merritt Island, Florida with my beautiful wife Sherri and three sons Sam, Brett and Colby.
I graduated from Cumberland College in Kentucky and the University of Central Florida in Orlando with degrees in Biology and Radiologic Science, respectively.
I have over 30 years professional experience in the Health Physics profession. The majority of which were at the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), where I managed the implementation of the Radiation Protection Programs (lasers, ionizing radiation and RF) as part of the Environmental and Medical support contract. Prior to working at KSC, I worked for private industry, the State of Florida, and the U.S. Air Force. My professional career encompasses both managerial experience over professional HP staff and technical experience in such areas as laser safety, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, preparation and inspection of radioactive material licenses, evaluation of high-power lasers, radiofrequency radiation, and space power applications.
I am a Certified Laser Safety Officer and this year was appointed as a National Fellow in the Health Physics Society. I currently work under NASA’s Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer as the Agency’s Health Physicist. Being part of this great team with Great Southern Engineering is truly a capstone to my career. As the CLSO, I serve on NASA’s Laser Safety Review Board (LSRB). The LSRB collaborates with other NASA Centers CLSOs/LSOs on their laser research projects that involve outdoor laser operations. This board will help ensure laser safety remains an integral part of NASA’s laser research projects.
Being a CLSO was paramount in me being chosen for the Agency Health Physicist position. BLS certification demonstrates to stakeholders that you have the specific knowledge, skills and commitment to the laser profession.