Nikki Knapp

After becoming the first graduate of the Professional Track Industrial Hygiene Masters program, I continued to work for the University Hygienic Laboratory as an Assistant Industrial Hygienist.

In July 2006, I was officially appointed as the Safety Officer for the Iowa-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (IA-1 DMAT). Our DMAT team is comprised of over 100 members who would staff temporary field hospitals or mobile medical units in case of natural or man-made disaster within the United States. They are ready to deploy with minimal notice. DMAT is a Federally-paid volunteer position. Check out the website at http://www.ia-1dmat.org. We're on the lookout for new members *hint*. Many other types of disaster deployment teams need Safety Officers also.

In October 2006, I took a new position as an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, IA. I am helping to prepare and train responders in the event of a radiological event. I assist the county Emergency Management Coordinators with the Radiological Annex within each county's Emergency Response Plan.

I am a board member of AIHA's Iowa-Illinois local section. This fall, I attended the AIHA Future Leaders Institute. I highly recommend it for everyone that would like to advance their career through networking and knowledge - to help shape the future of industrial hygiene.

Although I am not specifically performing IH duties in my paid position, the faculty, staff and students of IREH helped lead me to where I am today - and for that, I am grateful.

Shilo, Jayden & I still live in North Liberty with the dogs & cat. Feel free to contact me at any time. nikki@our2rotts.com