M. USMAN HASSANZAI
Tempe, AZ
U.S. Work Authorization – Asylum Granted
Radiation Protection Programs ... Radiological Surveys ... Waste Management ... Radiation Support
Radiological Emergencies ... Corrective Action Activities ... Records Management ... Data Analysis, Regulatory Compliance
Project Management ... OSHA Compliance / Regulatory Oversight ... Contamination Control
Team Training ... Inspections ... Inventory Management ... Audits ... Decommissioning
Offer more than 10 years’ experience in radiation safety with bachelor’s degrees in physics and engineering, as well as extensive industry-related trainings/workshops, reflecting leadership and focus to protect human health and ensure compliance to government regulations.
Technology: MS Office Suite, electronic instrumentation, radiation measurement/equipment Calibration
Technical Training – U.S.: Medical Radiation Safety Officer (MRSO), Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Radiation Safety Officer Preceptorship, Applied Health Physics, Operational Health Physics, Applied Health Physics Lab exercises I and II, HAZWOPER, and Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
U.S. Affiliations: Health Physics Society and Laser Institute of America
EXPERIENCE
Arizona State University (ASU), Environmental Health and Safety Unit, Tempe, AZ, May 2023 – Present
Visiting Scientist - Radiation Safety Specialist (Awarded competitive U.S. Dept. Of State fellowship)
Rotate through roles focused on radiation safety, ensuring safety of radioactive materials used in research in ASU laboratories—involved in audits, contamination surveys, decommissioning, and record keeping—not only learning from department colleagues but also contributing expertise based on past experience.
• Implemented, coordinated, and managed Radiation Protection Program, establishing, and advising on radiation safety and operational policies and procedures to achieve full compliance with federal (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) and Arizona state regulations and license requirements, resulting in safe handling and storage of radioactive materials while developing a culture of safety.
- Conduct rigorous sealed sources leak tests, maintaining integrity of radiation sources and minimizing potential leaks or contamination.
- Conducting laser safety inspections.
- Managing University radiation Dosimetry Program.
- Lead thorough safety inspections, audits, and contamination surveys, identifying/mitigating potential risks and executing decontamination procedures in contaminated areas to enhance workplace safety.
- Manage radioactive material and waste, including proper storage, disposal, and tracking, minimizing environmental impact and regulatory violations, early detection through radiation source swipes.
- Maintain accurate, organized data/records to facilitate regulatory reporting/program evaluation.
• Served as Radiation Protection Technician at Radiation Safety Engineering, Inc. of Chandler, AZ, in partnership with ASU; involved in variety of radiation safety activities with company team, to include:
- Calibrated 30 different types of survey meters on NIST traceable calibration range, ensuring the accuracy of radiation measurements.
- Decontaminated and decommissioned tritium-using research center, eliminating potential hazards and facilitating safe closure.
- Conducted smear surveys for surface contamination in a systematic pattern, qualifying the facility for release for unrestricted use, meeting safety and regulatory standards.
- Analyzed samples using low background liquid scintillation counter, providing accurate and sensitive measurements for radiation research.
- Determined presence and concentration of gross Alpha and Beta particles in drinking water using EPA methods 900 and 600/00-2, ensuring compliance with water quality standards and public health safety.
GEATRA Engineering Inc., Milwaukee, WI, May 2022 – May 2023
Construction Material Testing Technician (CMT) - One-year Contract
Provided a wide range of engineering services, from density and moisture testing by nuclear gauge to materials testing to client presentations with focus on meeting quality standards and customer requirements.
Nuclear Energy Agency (ANEA), Kabul, Afghanistan, December 2012 – August 2021
Nuclear Energy Application Department Head
Instrumental in building Afghanistan’s initial nuclear energy regulatory framework to ensure safe use of nuclear power, protecting people and environment from radiation hazards. Led 25-member team overseeing safety, security, regulations, inspections, and policy development, advancing nuclear technologies, and serving as a key liaison with international counterparts and donors.
• Legal Framework Development:Collaborated with Afghan inter-agency committee to draft critical laws, regulations, and codes of conduct for radiation safety and nuclear security, as well as regulations for ionizing radiation protection, radioactive material transport, and radioactive waste management.
• International Nuclear Security Initiatives - Spearheaded nuclear security efforts with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for strengthened global nuclear security cooperation.
- {C}{C}Facilitated joint projects with IAEA, fostering international collaboration on technical capacity building, nuclear law formulation, radiation protection regulations, and codes of conduct.
- Managed collaborative projects with U.S. government agencies, including the Dept. of Energy and U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan, enhancing national security.
• Comprehensive Training Programs - Conducted training for military, law enforcement, and security personnel, enhancing abilities in nuclear and radioactive material detection, deterrence, and defense; provided radiation safety training for healthcare technicians, benefitting 1,220 individuals and improving national preparedness.
• Regulatory Oversight - Administered licensing (10) and permits (15) for radioactive and nuclear materials and related activities toward regulatory compliance and safety.
• Radiation Safety Information Management - As Radiation Safety Information Management System (RASIMS) coordinator, used IAEA web-based platform to collect, analyze, and view radiation infrastructure data from member states, advancing global radiation safety efforts.
• Radiological Support and Surveys - Supported safe handling / disposal practices during preparation, packaging, and shipment/transfer of radioactive materials / wastes for companies.
- Participated in surveys of orphan sources and assessed doses emitted by natural radioactive materials nationwide, enhancing public safety in 15 steel plants throughout country.
• Radiation Monitoring - Managed distribution and collection of 1,000 OSL dosimeters on a quarterly basis, facilitating individual dose recording and radiation exposure monitoring.
• Equipment Inspection and Registration - Conducted safety and compliance inspections and registrations of ionizing radiation-producing equipment, from diagnostic and dental X-ray units to C-Arm machines, CT units, mammography units, and nuclear gauges packaging, and shipment or transfer of radioactive materials and waste for 5 companies.
EDUCATION — Received credentialing of Afghan diplomas by World Education Services
(This résumé was posted on 14 March 2024.)
