Dr. Smith’s teaching interests includes Human Anatomy and Immunology. Currently, Dr. Smith is analyzing the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis: Role of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. Dr. Smith’s area of study concentrates on the intracellular spread of non-motile gram-negative pathogenic bacteria once they have penetrated the host’s cells. Some of the gram-negative bacteria are among the leading causes of gastroenteritis and liver disease. Another avenue of research is the role of myosin in diabetes mellitus. The investigations combine the use of cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry.
