Dean Smith

Dean Smith is a Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. His research focuses on understanding biochemical and neuronal mechanisms underlying olfactory behavior in Drosophila, particularly pheromone signaling and chemosensory processing. Smith holds a BS from the University of Utah, an MD from the University of Utah College of Medicine (1986), and a PhD in Biology/Neuroscience from UCSD (1992). He completed a HHMI Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCSD and served as an Assistant Professor at UTSW during 1993-1995.

• Education:
  • BS, University of Utah
  • MD, University of Utah College of Medicine (1986)
  • PhD in Biology/Neuroscience, University of California San Diego (1992)

Research Interests: Smith’s lab uses genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to dissect olfactory mechanisms in fruit flies. Key areas include pheromone signal transduction, neuronal circuitry mediating behavior, and molecular pathways regulating odorant receptor expression. Recent work highlights lipid flippase roles in odor sensitivity and at4 neuron influence on courtship behavior.

Notable Achievements:

• HHMI Postdoctoral Fellow (1992)
• Key publications on DEET repellency mechanisms, alcohol-induced aggression, and pheromone detection

His lab (Smith Lab) contributes to understanding sensory systems and neurobehavioral mechanisms, with implications for pest control and human olfactory disorders.