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Women of Clark County

Geneva Smith Douglas

1932 - 1993

Nuclear physicist Geneva Smith Douglas researched nuclear testing, radiation exposure, and community safety. In a dual role with the U.S. Public Health Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, she created a bridge between the nuclear industry and the local communities. She later served on the steering committee of the Friends of Nevada Wilderness, which advocated for the establishment of state and federal protections for Nevada’s wild places.

Pictured: Geneva Smith Douglas, circa 1980s. UNRS-1997-16-1, Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno.

Sources

• Duvall, M. A., ed. Skirts That Swept the Desert Floor: One Hundred Biographical Profiles of Nevada Women in History. Vol. 1. Las Vegas: Stephens Press, LLC, 2006.
• Wilkins, Sally. “Geneva Smith Douglas.” Nevada Women’s History Project. Accessed April 9, 2025. https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/geneva-smith-douglas/.

For questions or comments, please reach out to the Clark County Museum at ccmuseum@clarkcountynv.gov.