Safety Spotlight: Smith research lab

The Smith Group was selected for our Safety Spotlight for the impact they have here at Illinois in conducting safe research. Led by Dr. Kyle Smith, Associate Professor in Mechanical Science & Engineering, the research group is exploring breakthroughs in energy storage, desalination using electrochemical methods to improve access to clean drinking water, and other areas that have significant societal impact.

When it comes to safety, Dr. Smith and his research group prioritize a strong safety culture, ensuring that safety is always central in their work. Whether developing new experiments or reviewing existing protocols, Dr. Smith encourages his team to always think critically about safety, ensuring that all hazards are identified and addressed proactively. They also maintain an open and collaborative relationship with the Division of Research Safety team, regularly consulting with us to assess and mitigate potential risks through the entirety of their research projects, including discussing potential hazardous byproducts and waste.

Dr. Smith’s motivation to prioritize safety is due to firsthand experiences that began at an early age. His father, a machinist and pattern maker, was involved in several near misses with machinery and exposures to chemicals that resulted in long-term health effects. The importance of workplace safety has stayed with him throughout his career and extends to how he mentors his students in the lab. The Smith group’s overall commitment to safety not only protects the well-being of the researchers and potential applications of the technology in the future, but it also fosters a culture of responsibility and trust, where everyone feels accountable for maintaining a safe and productive research environment.