Me, a Subject Matter Expert????
 
So yesterday I was invited back to the Cognitive Engineering Lab group at U of T to participate in a discussion on how to apply risk management to other engineering disasters around the world.  I didn't really know what I was being asked to contribute but when I got there I found out that all they wanted was my expertise on applying the theoretical frameworkd I used for the Walkerton E Coli Outbreak and the C. Parvuum Outbreak in North Battleford SK.  If you haven't read my paper click here.  I find it amazing how many people have actually read my work.....I mean I guess it's published and all but I didn't expect people to actually use it.....but they do...it's referenced in some Provincial document in Saskatchewan, it was used in analyzing the SARS outbreak...it's been used as a framework for 3 thesis so far and it's influencing the way people design critcal safety systems.....to tell you the truth it's a little scary but also very flattering.  I've been contacted by several people overseas and around the world with PhD's and Master degrees asking about my research and to give them ideas on how to conduct their research.  I just find it amazing how large an influence a small little paper that I wrote could have on the real world...I guess one person really can make their mark on academia =) ...I mean when you type in "Dennis Woo" into google, you actually get my name coming up in research papers.....scary huh??