Dr. Alvin L. Smith is the Manager for Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Planetary Protection Center of Excellence (CoE) and the JPL Backward Planetary Protection Lead for Mars Sample Return. In these roles he provides scientific oversight to several research & development projects to meet stringent ...more

Dr. Alvin L. Smith is the Manager for Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Planetary Protection Center of Excellence (CoE) and the JPL Backward Planetary Protection Lead for Mars Sample Return. In these roles he provides scientific oversight to several research & development projects to meet stringent engineering requirements for planetary protection, as well as program management for training programs, university outreach, and interagency collaborations. His contributions have been instrumental in planning flight implementation for Mars 2020 (Perserverance rover), Europa Clipper, and the Mars Sample Return campaign, to include planning for the Mars Sample Receiving Facility. Alvin joined JPL after spending over 17 years as a researcher in high containment laboratories and as a consultant as a biodefense subject matter expert (SME) and focusing on the development of medical countermeasures and biodetection capabilities for HIV, human smallpox, Ebola, and other potential biological weapons. Alvin’s expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats has been leveraged by numerous government agencies including Congress, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the intelligence community. Alvin holds a doctorate in Medical Microbiology from Howard University and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Talladega College. He is also a certified Project Management Professional.less