Michael Smith, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow at Henry Jackson Foundation

Research Expertise

Infectious Diseases

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

About

Dr. Michael Smith is a highly skilled and experienced biologist with a strong background in research and education. He completed his Ph.D. in Biology at Howard University in 2020, where he focused on studying the impact of environmental factors on genetic expression in plants. Prior to this, he obtained his B.S. in Biology from the University of the District of Columbia in 2014. With over 6 years of experience in the field, Dr. Smith has held various research positions, including a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Henry Jackson Foundation and a Postdoctoral Trainee position at George Washington University. In these roles, he has conducted extensive research on the role of genetics in disease development and treatment. In addition to his research experience, Dr. Smith has also served as a Teaching Assistant at Howard University, where he mentored and instructed undergraduate students in biology courses. He has a passion for education and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. Dr. Smith has published several peer-reviewed articles in top scientific journals and has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Institute of Science/Beta Kappa Xi and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. Overall, Dr. Michael Smith is a highly accomplished biologist with a strong passion for research and education. His expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset to any organization.

Publications

PIWI silencing mechanism involving the retrotransposon nimbus orchestrates resistance to infection with Schistosoma mansoni in the snail vector, Biomphalaria glabrata

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases

2021

Prostate cancer cell-platelet bidirectional signaling promotes calcium mobilization, invasion and apoptotic resistance via distinct receptor-ligand pairs

Scientific Reports

2023

Susceptibility of Snails to Infection with Schistosomes is influenced by Temperature and Expression of Heat Shock Proteins

Epidemiology: Open Access

2015

Education

Howard University

Ph.D, Biology / May, 2020

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America

University of the District of Columbia

B.S, Biology / May, 2014

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America

Experience

Henry Jackson Foundation

Postdoctoral Fellow / February, 2023 — March, 2024

Collected and handled samples, keeping detailed accurate records of experiments. Plans, conducts, troubleshoots, and completes complex experiments as directed by the principal investigator. Assignments require the performance of complex laboratory tests, determinations, and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches using human samples. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures cell culturing, RNA and protein isolation. Investigate the transcriptional mechanism mediating CRY1 function in prostate cancer and explain the role of tumor associated CRY1 on DNA repair capacity. Evaluated the efficacy of CRY1 knockdown in LNCaP and C42 cell lines through qPCR and western blot analysis. • Identified transcriptional networks utilized by CRY1 in LNCaP and C42 cells which revealed DNA damage repair pathways are associated with LNCaP while metabolic pathways were strongly associated with C42.

George Washington University

Postdoc Trainee / August, 2020 — June, 2022

• Conducted research on Urogenital Schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer. • Identified Omega-1 protein and ribonuclease activity in S.haematobium eggs using Western Blot and RNase assay. • Used CRISPR/Ca9 programmed gene knockout of Omega-1 gene in S.haematobium eggs • Investigated the impact of the depletion of omega-1 in co-cultures of the S. haematobium eggs and HCV29 cells. • Evaluated the efficacy of the gene knock through qPCR analysis. • Investigated the functional consequences of platelet interactions with prostate cancer cells through Matrigel and Caspase assays. • Identified possible cell surface molecule pairing candidates that are responsible for platelet interactions with prostate cancer cells using RNA-Seq.

Howard University

Teaching Assistant / August, 2016 — May, 2020

• Assisted students during structured labs with handling materials, maintaining order, and assisting students with lab techniques. • Performed grading assignments, class participation, and exams. • Managed course content through online Learning Management System • Designed and maintained individual course sections via Blackboard. • Provided students with regular out of class assistance. • Assembled lab equipment and prepared lab materials. • Maintained lab upkeep and provided routine equipment assessment.

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