Kerry Smith

Kerry Smith is a Professor and Director of the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovations Center at Clemson University's Department of Genetics and Biochemistry within the College of Science. Their research focuses on invasive fungal infections, particularly Cryptococcus neoformans, aiming to identify metabolic pathways for antifungal therapy development. Education includes a B.S. in Applied Biology from Georgia Tech and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Key research interests involve fungal pathogenesis, acetate utilization in fungal infections, and enzyme characterization. Awards include the 2018 University Research Award (inaugural class), 2015 National Scholars Program Award, and the 2012 Douglas W. Bradbury Award for contributions to the Honors College.

Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Molecular Biochemistry (BCHM 3010) and Doctoral Dissertation Research (BCHM/GEN 9910). The research group includes Ph.D. students Perry Kezh, Rodrigo Catalan-Hurtado, and Oly Ahmed, alongside undergraduate researchers Jasmine Meltzer and Ashley Lupichuk. Labs are located in Life Sciences Building rooms 257B (office), 260G, 273, and 275.

Smith's work bridges molecular biology, enzymology, and clinical applications, with a focus on understanding fungal survival mechanisms in immunocompromised patients and developing novel antifungal strategies.