Rick Peterson

Background

About Rick Peterson

Dr. Peterson is a nuclear chemist, serving in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control. He is the Director of DoD’s Radiological and Nuclear Defense Program. In this role, Dr. Peterson coordinates and integrates the department’s research and development activities to deliver modern radiological and nuclear (R/N) defense capabilities to the Joint Force. Dr. Peterson uses his budget to spur innovation and timely development of capabilities across industry, academy, and government partners to ultimately ensure the U.S. military can prevail in an R/N environment. Prior to entering government service, Dr. Peterson was a professor of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University, where his research specialized in developing new and innovative detection techniques for measuring radioactive isotopes in oceanic environments. Dr. Peterson received his Ph.D. In Chemical Oceanography from Florida State University.