Kaitlan S. Smith

Dr. Kaitlan S. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Campbell University's Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. A member of the UNC-Duke Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, she investigates necroptosis in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Her work bridges pharmacology, neuroscience, and translational medicine.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• B.S. in Biotechnology, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Dr. Smith's research explores necroptosis in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Her studies aim to identify regulatory checkpoints for neuroprotection, emphasizing the role of inflammatory cell death in aging brains.

Her 2024–2025 publications highlight necroptosis inhibition, CHIP mutations in ataxias, and cerebellar slice culture models. These works span subfields like neuroinflammation, genetic regulation, and therapeutic targeting.

Scientific Awards:

• Outreach and Service Award (2021)
• John Bowley Derieux Excellence in Research (2018)
• RISE Fellow (2017)
• Women in Science Scholar (2017)

Dr. Smith mentors students in evidence-based medicine and pharmacology, integrating her research on regulated cell death with educational practices. Her work benefits underrepresented minorities in science and medicine.