The research focus of the Smith group includes developing new methodology and spectroscopy instrumentation for the analysis of biomaterials with nanometer-sized features. The goals of her research are to produce methods that will enable important information for developing cleaner and cheaper energy to be measured, and to understand the molecular events that lead to cellular function.

• 2005: Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Arizona, Tucson
• 2004: Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Delaware, Newark
• 2003: Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• 2000: M.S. Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, State College
• 1998: B.A. Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

• 2007-present: U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory, Faculty Scientist
• 2006-present: Iowa State University, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

• NSF CAREER Award, 2009
• Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Starter Award, 2007
• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Fellowship, 2005-2006
• NIH Cancer Biology Postdoctoral Training Fellowship, University of Arizona, 2004-2005
• Charles N. Reilley Award, Pharmacia Corporation, University of Wisconsin, 2002
• Vilas Travel Fellowship, University of Wisconsin, 2002
• Slifkin Excellence Award for Outstanding Accomplishment, University of Wisconsin, 2001
• Roberts Graduate Fellowship, Pennsylvania State University, 1998-1999
• Chemistry Department Scholar Award, Northwestern University, 1998