Mylissia Smith's Resume Highlights Public Health and Safety Experience

Mylissia R. Smith, MPH, RBP (ABSA)
3103 Heritage Court Apt. #61, Manhattan, KS 66503
Telephone 785-564-3724 Email MylissiaSmithstukey@yahoo.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/pub/mylissia-smith-mph/19/9ba/a40 age 1 of 8
EDUCATION
Kansas State University
Bachelors of Science (Animal Science & Industry and Business)
Masters of Public Health, CEPH (Infectious Disease and Zoonosis) (Magna cum laude)
PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 2003-Current
Occupational Health and Safety Manager (2016-Present)
Occupational Health and Safety Manager for the College of Agriculture. The College of Agriculture also
includes the K-State Research and Extension which is a statewide network that shares research-based
information and expertise. Satellite offices of research and extension branch throughout the state of
Kansas.
This position allows for me to be a leader for all aspects of health and safety for the College of
Agriculture as well as the University as I work with colleagues across the university to enhance a safe
working and learning environment. This position allows for the conducting of all health and safety
assessments for the College of Agriculture sites, develop relevant and auditable standards of practice and
participate in college-wide risk assessments. This position is the first point of contact for governmental
agencies and is responsible for education and training all faculty and staff at research sites. I review plans
and code requirements, secure and maintain all required permits and registrations for research sites and
develop and update/maintain health and safety plans. Communications and the persuasion of
management and employees on the value of changing work practices, implementing programs, spending
money to improve safety, and/or mitigate property risks that impact business interruption is also a
significant part of this position.
Research Associate (2007-2016)
Biosafety Manager at the College of Veterinary Medicine for the Department of Diagnostic Medicine &
Pathobiology and for the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for five facilities located at
Manhattan and Olathe Kansas Campuses for the safety levels of BSL1, BSL2 and BSL3. Biosafety
practicesare compliant with OSHA,NIH,BMBL and PrudentPracticesin the Laboratory. Co-Instructor
and Coordinator for graduate level class titled Veterinary Mycology & Bacteriology Laboratory and Co-
Instructor for graduate level class titled Introduction to Public Health.
This position allows for me to be a leader for the College of Veterinary Medicine for research,
teaching and diagnostics. The tasks I perform are essential in maintaining a safe state of affairs for the
college, community and the environment. My daily tasks are instrumental as I manage all aspects of
biosafety and teach and mentor students of all graduate levels (masters,PhD and veterinary doctorate
students).
In reference to biosafety and biosecurity I have been influential in building the program which
has resulted in substantial growth for research and diagnostics. During my tenure faculty for research
and diagnostics has taken a significant growth. Key functions of the job include, but are not limited to,

overseeing the science of more than 50 laboratories for animal and human health, administering and
enforcing all state and federalsafety regulations, liaison for university colleges and departments
including IBC, IRB, IACUC,EH&S and animal research facilities across campus. I oversee all
laboratory planning and remodel designs with faculty members and university officials I am the liaison
for external vendors for servicing and calibration of equipment including autoclaves, balances,
pipettes, biological safety cabinets and more. I am the contact for government agencies including
DHS, CDC,USDA and the area US Army as I manage all permits and licenses for BSL2 and BSL3 for
research,teaching and diagnostics. I perform risk assessments for all active and new research and
diagnostics. I oversee all hazardous waste and chemical storage. I have implemented new policies and
procedures including risk assessments on all accident reports. I have upgraded security systems to key
card access systems. I implemented new training guidelines for all laboratorians, student, visitors and
the PIs that are to be completed prior to laboratory access. I was instrumental in developing and
issuing standardized safety training for the college of veterinary medicine in which two of us worked
together to complete this task. I hold a leadership position for developing and managing the
emergency response plan for the college of veterinary medicine. I have developed and edited protocols
and SOPs for BSL1, BSL2 and BSL3 laboratory work for research and diagnostics. I sit on multiple
committees for the college of veterinary medicine and I work with campus officials, the Dean’s office,
Dept. Heads, faculty, students, visitors and more to ensure a safe yet functional environment.
In reference to teaching I am a co-instructor for graduate classes titled Mycology and
Bacteriology Laboratory and Introduction to Public Health. I teach the mycology and bacteriology
laboratory every fall semester to approximately 130 graduate students. The Introduction to Public
Health is an ongoing class as it is presented via video for distance learning. The public health class is
utilized for students as well as scientist and state workers in the field for Kansas for training and
continuing education opportunities presented by the university. I present multiple case studies and
individual assignments each week to students for the mycology and bacteriology class. The case
studies include bacteria, yeast and fungi. I manage all aspects of the class which includes grading
assignments/tests, maintain online grading system and course materials, manage inventory of all
biologics and cultures as well as physically prep and grow cultures for each case study and individual
assignment, a daily task. I oversee graduate teaching assistants as I assign tasks as they assist with
student Q&A. I mentor students of all college levels year round on curriculum, field work, work force
and more. Although I am listed as co-instructor for the mycology and bacteriology laboratory I am the
class leader and manage all aspects directly and indirectly involved with the teaching and preparation
of this class. I also give lectures to group organizations, continuing education and fellowships, such as
STEM, on an ongoing basis.
Research Assistant (2003-2007)
My work assignment for this position was to perform a variety of testing methodologies for the
diagnosis, investigation and quantification of several infectious diseases that resulted from
bacteria, viruses and prions for animals and humans.
I was hired by the university to succeed as the lead person to finalize the planning
design and perform the ELISA testing for one of seven surge laboratories identified by the US
government for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. I worked with Enfer and Bio-Rad on a
domestic and international level to ensure this was a success. I was also instrumental in the
development and design of the first Chronic Wasting Disease laboratory in the state of Kansas.

As a result, I managed and performed the testing methodology for the first annual surveillance
and testing of Chronic Wasting Disease in the state of Kansas. This surveillance included over
2,000 samples from deer and elk in the state of Kansas and limited portions of samples from
bordering states as Kansas was the closest surveillance laboratory. This allowed me to actively
consult/educate clients and hunters on the disease and the importance of such surveillance. In
continuing my work with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies I performed an active
ongoing surveillance for Scrapie in sheep and elk for the duration of my term in this position.
This testing methodology utilized the immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique in which
hundreds of samples were processed weekly. I also utilized the IHC for ongoing testing of
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. In addition to my work with TSEs I performed testing
methodologies for Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome and completed direct and
indirect fluorescent antibody tests for a variety of diseases for all animal species.
In addition to my work noted above I had an opportunity to take on a leading role in
working with the rabies virus. My contributions to the field of rabies for the university became
very influential for the university as well as the public on a global scale. Within the first year
of working with the rabies virus I completed and received national certification for rabies
diagnostics and completed proficiency testing on all testing methodologies. These
methodologies also included the FAVN and RFFIT testing for both human and animal. I played
an instrumental role in moving forward an ELISA testing methodology for the EVOLIS as I was
one of two to validate the methodology. I met extremely high work load demands for titer
testing, diagnostics and serology studies on a global scale for bats and wild dogs. This work
allowed for me to work with students on special projects within the CVM and travel to animal
health conferences to present lectures and educational exhibits. This resulted in building a
larger client base for diagnostics and research leading into ongoing educational campaigns for
clients and colleagues in reference to rabies. This allowed for me to build networks on a global
scale with students, country officials, animal organizations, military officials and
pharmaceutical companies.
Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Global 2007-2014
The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) is a 501 © (3) non-government organization
that was established in 2007 to promote advocacy andeducation globally. I was part of an elite team
that made significant impact against rabies around the world. I held several lead positions and Iwas
involved in all aspects of the organization. I developed and managed global programs and provided
ongoing consultations for the largest rabies awareness campaign, World Rabies Day, held in 150
countries. As a leader Imanaged all veterinary,public health and medicalstudent activitiesforWorld
Rabies Day in the U.S., Caribbean, Canada and abroad. I developed and managed an international
shelter campaign that provided educational resources to shelters, animal welfare organizations and
community campaigns. I established and directed a vaccine control program in the U.S. where
250,000 + animals received vaccinations and physicals. I designed webpages and produced
content/materials for the website. I authored and co-authored articles for journals, newspapers,
newsletters, websites, PSAs, brochures and magazines. I designed a template and researched country
specific criteria for country profiles requested by the World Health Organization. I succeeded in
establishing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, universities, corporate companies, military
officials and more for funding, resources and advocacy. I directed a campaign targeting adolescents for
advocacy and education for the Zach JonesMemorial Fund. Miscellaneous obligations for GARC included

evaluation and organization of global surveys, present lectures, exhibits and strategy meetings and manage
our annual CVM Award Program.
Farm Bureau Financial Services, Manhattan, KS 2001-2004
Corporate Commercial Underwriter for the U.S. states of New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska,
Colorado and Arizona. I worked with over one hundred agents and field representatives to ensure
profitable commercial business. The book of business in value of dollars had a wide range with
several of my clients ranging in over a million dollars. Profitable business was maintained with
minimal annual losses by way of ongoing consultations and presentations with colleagues and
insureds on laws, company regulations, specific state laws, policy logistics and rates. I
continuously worked with agents and field representatives on utilizing proper marketing tools that
was the best fit for the company and the insureds. I also maintained continuing education
requirements according to Kansas and Iowa regulations.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
 Scheduled: Occ. & Env. Health for Rural Health Professionals June2016
 Biosecurity in Practice: Research, Healthcare, Ag. & Production July 2016
 Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) Certification 2015
 Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course (BBTC) 2014
 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification 2014
 Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Tropical Medicine Course. Fort Riley Kansas 2014
 ESRI ArcGIS Certification 2013
 BBTC: Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course – General, Large and Small Animal, Research and
Veterinary Clinics Sessions 2012
 KSU Graduate Certificate in Public Health 2012
 Webinar: Lab Accidents in the News: Institutional & Individual Risks, Roles and Responsibilities 2012
 DOT Dangerous Goods Certification: Unit 7: Class 6.2 and Class 9 IATA. Colorado State University
2012
 USDA ARS 1st
International Biosafety and Biocontainment Symposium – February 2011
 3rd
Annual Merial Rabies Symposium – Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
2010
 NBBTP Certificate in Biosafety and Biocontainment - Level 1 2010
 2nd
Annual Merial Rabies Symposium – Kansas State University 2009
 Kansas State University Biosecurity Research Institute BSL 3 Biosafety Program for Personnel 2009
 Merial Rabies Symposium – Tuskegee University 2008
 CDC: Protecting Workers in Clinical Laboratories, Research, Animal Care, & Public Health Comm.
2008
 APHL Biosafety & Biosecurity for Research Labs 2007
 APHL Laboratory Methods for Detecting Rabies Virus Program 2007
RELEVANTCOURSEWORK
 Globalization, Cooperation, And The Food Trade
 Investigate the Performance of a Rabies ELISA
 Human Rabies Vaccines Cut-off Values
 Spatial Analysis of Leptospirosis in Canines
 Food Protection and Defense – Essential Concepts
 Strategic Health Communication
 Intermediate Epidemiology
 Trade and Agricultural Health
 Social and Behavioral Science
 Global Health Issues
 Biostatistics
 Epidemiology
 Administration of Health Care Organizations
 Environmental Toxicology
 Multidisciplinary Overview of Food Safety and Security
 Fundamental Concepts in Emerging Pathogenic Diseases

VOLUNTEER
 MHKCCO 2014 - Current
 Community Outreach Coordinator: KSU Public Health Club 2011-2012
 Riley County Humane Society Vice-President 2010-2011
 Riley County Humane Society Board of Director 2003-2011
 Riley County Humane Society President 2009-2010
 Riley County Humane Society Humane Education Coordinator 2003-2011
 KSU College of Veterinary Medicine World Rabies Day Coordinator 2007
 Riley County Humane Society President 2007 – 2008
 Boy Scouts of America Assistant Den Leader 2006-2008
 Animal Program Manager (Low Cost Altering of Feral Felines in KS) 2004-2008
PRESENTATIONS/POSTERS/EXHIBITS/WEBINARS
 Scheduled: KSU KSVDL National Rabies Conference July 2016
 KSU CVM MPH Club, April 2015
 A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Nov. 2014
 One Health Kansas: Student Undergrad Public Health Fellowship, 2014
 Merial Rabies Symposium 2008, 2013
 Humane Society of the United States - Humane Society International Annual Animal Care Expo 2008 –
2012
 World Rabies Day 3rd
Annual Webinar 2012
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Zoonotic Diseases Webinar 2012
 Kansas State University World Rabies Day 2012
 Riley County Humane Society 2012
 Rabies In The Americas 2011
 Midwestern Annual Veterinary Conference 2006-2009
 American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Conference 2006, 2007, 2009
 Boy Scouts of America 2006
MEMBERSHIPS
 American Biological Safety Association 2010 - Current
 KSU Public Health Club 2011 – 2014
 KSU Graduate Student Association 2011 – 2014
 Riley County Humane Society 2002 – 2012
 Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator KS 2004-2007

REFERENCES
Dr. M.M. Chengappa, BVSc, MVSc,MS, PhD,Diplomate, Department Head
Relationship: Previous Superior, Co-instructor of DMP 713 and MPH Major Professor
Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology
University Distinguished Professor
1800 Denison Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66506
Office Telephone: 785-532-4403
Email: chengapa@vet.k-state.edu
Dr. Susan Moore, MS, PhD
Relationship: Colleague for Rabies Science, Education, Study Design
Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Rabies Serology Supervisor
2005 Research Park Circle
Manhattan, KS 66502
Office Telephone: 785-532-4472
Email: smoore@ksu.edu
Dr. Debora J. Briggs, PhD
Relationship: Executive Director/Boss, Mentor for MPH Field Experience, Colleague
Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Former Executive Director
529 Humboldt Street Suite I
Manhattan, KS 66502
Email: djbriggs2004@yahoo.com
Dr. Robert Ellis, Ph.D.
Relationship: Colleague for Biosafety and Biosecurity
Professor
Department of Microbiology
Immunology and Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University Biosafety Officer
Environmental Health Services
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Telephone: 970-491-5740
Email: Robert.ellis@colostate.edu

REFERENCES CONTINUED
Dr. Jerry Jaax,DVM, ACLAM
Relationship: Colleague for Biosafety, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, KSU Safety Agenda
Former Associate Vice President for Research Compliance
University Veterinarian
Email: jaax@ksu.edu
Dr. Charles E. Rupprecht, VDM, MS, PhD
Relationship: Colleague for all Aspects of Rabies, Partner for Specified Projects
Adjunct Professor at The Wistar Institute
Biomedical Consultant, LYSSA LLC
Charles_Rupprecht@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: 770-855-6180
Peter Costa,MPH,MCHES
Relationship: Colleague for One Health Initiative
Director, Health Advancement & Prevention Strategies at Lehigh University
Associate Executive Director at One Health Commission
27 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
pjc5702@hotmail.com
Cell Phone: 484-546-6313
Hao Vu, MS
Relationship: Colleague for Biosafety and Biosecurity
Booz Allen Hamilton
Associate,Laboratory Safety SME
Atlanta, GA
Mobile Telephone: 502-345-7177
Email: Vu_hao@vahc.com

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