Larry Smith
About Larry Smith
Larry Smith is a Project Engineer with 28 years of experience at Materion Corporation and has served as a Guest Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory since 2018. He specializes in the manufacturing and material properties of Beryllium Oxide ceramic and has contributed to the development of a neutron reflector for NASA's kilopower fission reactor.
Work at Materion
Larry Smith has been employed at Materion Corporation since 1996, serving as a Project Engineer for 28 years. In this role, he focuses on the manufacturing processes and material properties of Beryllium Oxide ceramic. His long tenure at Materion highlights his expertise in materials engineering and project management within the company.
Current Role at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Since 2018, Larry Smith has held the position of Guest Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In this capacity, he engages in research and development activities, contributing his extensive knowledge of materials science to various projects. His role at Los Alamos complements his work at Materion, allowing him to apply his skills in a national laboratory setting.
Education and Expertise
Larry Smith studied at the University of Arizona, where he achieved a degree in Science and Technology. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his specialization in materials engineering, particularly in the properties and applications of Beryllium Oxide ceramic.
Contributions to NASA Projects
Larry Smith contributed to the development of a neutron reflector used in NASA's kilopower fission reactor. This project involved creating a high fidelity operational prototype, showcasing his ability to work on advanced technological initiatives with significant implications for space exploration.