Forrest Smith

Forrest Smith is a Professor and Director of Graduate Programs at Auburn University's Harrison College of Pharmacy. He has served in various academic roles since 1987, including Assistant Professor (1987-92), Associate Professor (1992-2019), and Professor (2019-present).

• B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech (1980)
• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University (1985)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1985-87)

His research focuses on medicinal chemistry with expertise in organic synthesis, molecular modeling, and NMR spectroscopy. Key areas include synthetic cannabinoids, DNA alkylators, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, and Ergot alkaloids. Supported by DOJ grants, his work has expanded structure-activity relationship (SAR) knowledge of cannabinoids and developed novel CB2 agonists for analgesic applications.

Selected Publications (2016-2024) demonstrate interdisciplinary work in Journal of Leukocyte Biology, AAPS PharmSciTech, and Cancer Research, covering topics from myeloperoxidase inhibition to pan-RAS cancer therapeutics. Current collaborations involve Drug Discovery and Development units at Auburn University.

Scientific Contributions include innovations in ocular drug delivery through cyclodextrin complexation, forensic chemistry applications, and neuropharmacological research. He has co-authored over 75 publications across diverse fields including pharmacology, biochemistry, and biomedical analysis.