Tracy Smith

Tracy Smith is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). She leads the DOGS Lab (Diversity, Origins, and Genomic Studies of dogs), focusing on genetic diversity, evolutionary origins, and breed-specific diseases in Arctic dog breeds.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from UMBC (2014)
• M.Ed. from Wesley College (2002)
• BS in Biology from Washington College (2000)

Her research integrates genomic technologies with evolutionary and conservation genetics to study the domestication history of dogs, artificial breed barriers, and the genetic basis of epilepsy in Arctic breeds. Teaching interests include Evolution, Population Genetics, Conservation Genetics, and Ecology, with a focus on student-centered learning practices.

Selected publications highlight her work in population genomics of Arctic sled dogs (2024), epigenetic divergence in darters (2016), and phylogeny estimation of darters using AFLPs (2014, 2011). Collaborations involve breeders, veterinarians, and geneticists to improve canine health and sustainability.