The leadership and staff of SREL are deeply saddened by the death of Michael H. Smith, former and longest-serving director of SREL. Smith died on Nov. 15.

Big Mike, as he was affectionately known, earned an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and a doctorate from the University of Florida. He served as director of SREL from 1973 to 1999, remaining as a professor of ecology at UGA until he retired in 2002.

Smith was recognized internationally as an expert in population genetics, ecology and radioactivity in the environment. His unique expertise evaluating the effects of radiation in the ecosystem led to his role as an adviser in response to the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident.