Ryan McKenzie, NRRPT
Marshall,VA
Summary
NRRPT-certified radiation protection specialist with eight years of experience in radiation protection, regulatory compliance, and emergency response across federal and operational settings. Proven expertise in gamma spectroscopy, ALARA implementation, and compliance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Scientist (Radiation Reachback)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (DHS)
09.2023 - Current
- Directed radiological threat assessment operations across hundreds of ports of entry nationwide, serving as the sole health physics expert responsible for real-time evaluation and technical guidance in support of national security.
- Performed rapid threat identification using gamma spectroscopy to detect and analyze radionuclides, ensuring timely and informed response to potential radiation hazards.
- Managed day-to-day implementation of radiation safety procedures, including quality assurance programs for calibration and maintenance of detection equipment, to ensure compliance with federal (DOT/NRC) and state regulatory requirements.
- Oversaw and enforced strict adherence to radiation protection protocols during the shipment, handling, and inspection of radioactive materials, mitigating personnel exposure and supporting ALARA principles.
- Provided technical direction and safety recommendations to field staff and senior leadership, contributing to well-informed operational decisions involving ionizing radiation sources.
- Recognized for outstanding achievement in advancing CBP’s mission-critical radiation protection initiatives and maintaining regulatory compliance across a national operational footprint.
Radiological Control Technician
Department of the Navy
05.2017 - 09.2023
- Supervised and led radiological oversight for high-risk nuclear operations, including steam generator inspections, reactor coolant pump and valve replacements, refueling, and media discharge—ensuring all activities adhered to ALARA principles.
- Provided daily planning and coordination to support radiation protection initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory and site-specific requirements.
- Conducted detailed risk assessments for projects involving radioactive materials, supporting safe operational decisions and effective radiological work planning.
- Implemented corrective actions to address deficiencies in radiological controls, reducing contamination risks and improving procedural compliance across work sites.
- Supported decontamination and waste management efforts during the successful decommissioning of contaminated facilities.
- Trained and mentored junior radiation protection technicians in job coverage, radiological surveys, spill response, and proper oversight practices.
- Enhanced radiological safety protocols by reviewing, planning, and auditing survey documentation and work area access controls.
- Served as a team lead during radiological emergency response scenarios, ensuring coordinated execution of protective measures.
- Performed control point operation watches to monitor radiological conditions and enforce safe practices in controlled and high-radiation areas.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, Geographic Information Systems
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12-2013
Skills
- National Register of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) certification
- US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Radiation certification
- Gamma spectroscopy analysis
- Pattern recognition
- Radiation and contamination survey performance
- Radiological emergency response
- Radiological compliance
- Mentoring
- Quality assurance implementation
- Technical report writing
Timeline
Physical Scientist (Radiation Reachback)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (DHS)
09.2023 - Current
Radiological Control Technician
Department of the Navy
05.2017 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, Geographic Information Systems
Old Dominion University
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