November Meeting – Building the Future of Safety: Pathways in Professional Development

Session Overview:

Building the Future of Safety: Pathways in Professional Development
Join the Utah ASSP Chapter for an engaging meeting focused on advancing your
career in the safety profession. This one-hour session brings together educators and
industry professionals—including Dr. Steven Thygerson (Brigham Young University), Dr.
Rustin Reed (Tulane University), and David Smith—to explore key strategies for
professional growth. We’ll discuss how to leverage education, develop practical skills,
prepare for certifications, and build meaningful professional networks. Whether you’re a
student, an early-career professional, or an experienced safety practitioner, this session
will provide insights and actionable steps to help you continue growing in your career.

Bios:

Dr. Steven M. Thygerson is a Professor in the Department of Public Health at Brigham
Young University. A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and accomplished safety
professional, his work centers on occupational injury prevention, global health, safety
management, and epidemiology.
He has been recognized as Region II Safety Professional of the Year for his excellence
in research, teaching, and mentorship, and continues to contribute significantly to the
field of occupational safety and health education.

Dr. Rustin Reed is an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Industrial Hygiene at
Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. A Certified Industrial
Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP), he has over a decade of
experience in occupational health and safety, particularly in mining environments.
His research focuses on exposures to heat, noise, silica, and diesel exhaust, as well as
innovative applications of serious games and machine learning to improve worker safety
and health outcomes.

David Smith is a results-driven Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Risk
Management leader with extensive experience across petrochemical, chemical, mining,
energy, and higher education sectors. He is passionate about advancing the EHS
profession. David is dedicated to mentoring and empowering others to build rewarding
careers in safety and risk management. He oversees the Utah ASSP Chapter’s
mentorship program, where he enjoys connecting with professionals, sharing insights,
and supporting their growth and professional goals.

Location: BYU Wilkison Student Center

1060 E Campus Dr, Provo, UT 84604