Federal Way Public Schools Alumni of Note
Richard Smith
Senior-level Scientist, Army Corps of Engineers
Decatur High School
Graduate
Class of 1981
Richard Smith developed his love of science in a classroom at Lakota Junior High. He fondly recalls his teacher, Mr. Weisman, leading the class through various experiments like causing a metal can to collapse and burning things. "His class made me wonder how things really work and to realize that there are rational and repeatable explanations for the behavior of the physical universe," Smith said.
Smith, a 1981 Decatur High School graduate, is now a senior-level scientist with the Army Corps of Engineers. He supervises the Geology and Instrumentation Section and his job includes working to ensure the safety of dams in the northwest. Smith supervises a group of scientists and technicians that design safe rock excavations, install and maintain instruments for dam safety, processes data and evaluate the geotechnical safety of dams, and remediate contaminated groundwater and sediments.
Smith also recalls Mr. Metcalf, who taught history at Decatur, as being one of his favorite teachers. "I loved his history class because he challenged us to write essays on stimulating topics. I am grateful for that writing experience because writing is an important skill for a scientist," he said.
While working as a computer programmer after high school, Smith developed an interest in geology. "I really enjoy hiking in the mountains and traveling around the west. I often wondered why the land was shaped the way it was and why the rocks were different across the west. I also had an interest in astronomy for the same reasons I am interested in geology. There are other planets out there not just in our own solar system and I am interested in how they formed also."
After high school, Smith went on to earn a bachelor of science in Geology from the University of Washington and a masters in Geology from Texas A&M. He earned his masters as part of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
Looking back, Smith said he wished he had prepared to attend a university and taken more math and science classes while in high school. He was able to make up the necessary classes at a junior college and go on to be successful at the university.
As a graduate and as a parent of two children who attend Federal Way Public Schools, Smith said he is impressed with the district. "This is not a wealthy district, but there are many avenues for students to excel. Decatur has a pre-engineering program. The Running Start program is excellent for students focused on going to college. The Public Academy also offers a rigorous program to get students ready for college. The TAF Academy’s college prep curriculum offers students another option to excel."
In addition to his career, Smith said he is proud of his family. His wife, Suzanne Smith, is the current president of the Federal Way School Board. Their two children excel academically and have shown interest in also pursing careers in science.
Smith shares the following advice with students and educators:
"To educators: All students are individuals who will advance at their own rates depending upon their abilities and level of interest. It is fine to have minimum standards to which we want all students to achieve. However, it is too easy to hold the high achievers and dedicated learners back by trying to teach all at the same level at once. I enjoyed my K-12 experience best when the Federal Way School District experimented with self-paced learning. Students should not be grouped by age, but by ability; and even these groupings should be loose and flexible."
"To students: Learn at your pace. Only you know what you are capable of doing. There is always a second chance, so don't worry about today's failures."