Josh Smith joined the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University in 2016 to pursue a Ph.D. in materials chemistry. Dr. Smith studied under the direction of Professor Sara Skrabalak in the design and synthesis of plasmonic nanocrystals. Upon completing his doctorate degree, he accepted a position as a Principal Nanomaterial Scientist at Luna Labs where he invented and developed defense technologies related to signature management, hypersonics, optics, obscuration, and green energy production. In 2022, he transitioned to Booz Allen as a Senior Lead Materials Engineer where he is currently leading a team of scientist and engineers to develop, integrate, and field advanced technologies for the Air Force, Army, Space Force, and Navy.