Amy E. Smithson, PhD

Amy E. Smithson, PhD, is a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She specializes in in-depth field research on issues related to chemical and biological weapons proliferation, threat reduction, defense, and preparedness. The author of authoritative reports on the reduction of US and Russian weapons capabilities, the status of international arms reduction treaties, the utility of export controls, and unconventional terrorism and US preparedness, she has testified before Congress and is frequently consulted by the media. Her work recommends practical steps that blend technical and policy instruments to reduce chemical and biological weapons threats and enhance preparedness against chemical and biological disasters. Prior to joining CSIS, she worked at the Henry L. Stimson Center, Pacific-Sierra Research Corporation, and the Center for Naval Analyses. She holds a PhD from George Washington University, a masters from Georgetown, and two undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.