James Smathers, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Department of Radiation Oncology

Email - smathers@radonc.ucla.edu

Dr. Smathers is nationally and internationally recognized and respected in Medical Radiation Physics, and is an expert in the conception, design, fabrication and operation of high energy cyclotrons for the generation of fast neutrons for medical use, as well as an authority in fast neutron dosimetry. He was recruited to UCLA in 1980 and was instrumental in the development of UCLA's fast neutron research program, one of three in the U.S. sponsored by the NCI. Prior to joining UCLA, he was Professor and Head of Bioengineering at Texas A&M University from 1976-1980, where he received two teaching awards and a distinguished achievement award in research.

From 1980 to 2001, Dr. Smathers served as Director of Biomedical Physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology, building the UCLA Medical Physics Division into one of the foremost clinical and scientific groups in the nation. Dr. Smathers is actively involved in national professional organizations such as the American College of Medical Physics and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.