Sheila R. Smith

Sheila R. Smith is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. Her work spans bioinorganic chemistry research and chemistry education innovation, with a focus on undergraduate curriculum development.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry, North Carolina State University (1992)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry (Inorganic Chemistry), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (1997)
• Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Amherst College (1997-1998) and Michigan State University (1998-2001)

Her research investigates bioinorganic systems through projects like NOx reduction by siderophore complexes, copper binding in riboflavin proteins, and EPR studies of metal ions in biological contexts. She has also led national curriculum surveys in inorganic chemistry education.

Recent publications highlight her dual contributions: 2015 ACS Editor's Choice papers on undergraduate inorganic curriculum design and foundational research on metalloprotein interactions dating back to 2008. Her teaching portfolio includes ACS-certified biochemistry and general chemistry courses.

Scientific Recognition:

• Leadership Council member, IONiC (NSF TUES-funded network)
• ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Alternate Councilor (2014-2017)
• ACS Exams Institute Inorganic Exam Committee service
• 2016 appointment to ACS DUCK Committee
• Editorial contributions to chemistry textbooks

She has advised chemistry students as Chemistry Concentration Co-Advisor and integrates undergraduate research into her work, notably organizing symposia at American Chemical Society meetings.

Laboratory research on metal ions in biological systems occurs at facilities including Modular Unit and 2249 CW. Her office is located at 111 ASC, with lab contact at (313) 436-9121.