COAS Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jacqueline Smith

Dr. Smith

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry

Howard University

 

Background and Journey

From Prince George’s County to the Heart of Howard

Dr. Jacqueline Smith is a proud DMV native who grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School and attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she was a Meyerhoff Scholar majoring in Chemistry. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park, and completed her postdoctoral research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Cancer Center.

Before joining Howard University, Dr. Smith spent eight years teaching and conducting research at Bowie State University. She was drawn to Howard by the opportunity to further her research and mentor graduate students in a vibrant, intellectually rich environment.

 

Academic Inspiration

A Minty Spark that Led to a Lifelong Passion

Dr. Smith first fell in love with chemistry in high school during a bioorganic chemistry class, where she created a mint-scented compound from odorless ingredients. That early experience sparked a curiosity about the invisible transformations in chemistry. Over time, her interests evolved from cosmetic and food chemistry to the design of biologically relevant compounds—especially those with potential applications in cancer treatment.

Her commitment to cancer research grew stronger during graduate school as she witnessed members of her church community battle the disease. This inspired her to pursue postdoctoral work at a cancer center, where she could directly contribute to developing new therapeutic options.

 

Teaching and Research

Empowering Students and Advancing Science

At Howard, Dr. Smith currently teaches Instrumental Analysis, guiding students to connect instrumentation concepts back to their earlier training in Organic Chemistry. While the course itself can be rigorous, she finds great satisfaction in watching students grasp challenging material and gain confidence.

Her research is supported by two major NSF grants:

NSF CAREER Award: This project focuses on targeting a protein involved in cancer resistance and migration. Dr. Smith’s lab uses rational design and microwave-assisted multicomponent reactions to create molecules that can be tested in cancer cells—allowing for rapid synthesis and screening.

NSF Excellence in Research Award: This interdisciplinary project aims to develop an imageable drug delivery system, combining organic synthesis, fluorescence measurements, and cell culture assays to track and enhance the effectiveness of treatment compounds.

 

Community and Impact

Strengthening the Legacy of Black Chemists

Dr. Smith is excited about the collaborative spirit at Howard, particularly her connections with faculty in the School of Medicine and her aspirations to partner with the university’s Cancer Center. However, what excites her most is the opportunity to help young scholars—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—pursue doctoral degrees in Chemistry. “I want students to see themselves in leadership roles in science and academia,” she says. “I’m here to help them navigate that journey with confidence.”

Dr. Smith is also leading the revitalization of Howard’s chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), an organization originally founded at Howard. Through this work, she is fostering a strong community of support and representation for Chemistry students.

 

Beyond the Classroom

When she’s not teaching or in the lab, Dr. Smith enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children—whether it’s watching movies, visiting the park, or exploring new restaurants in the DMV. A fun fact? She’s a passionate dancer! Formerly a modern dancer with her church, she now loves picking up new line dances for fun and fitness.

“I want students to see people from similar backgrounds in leadership. I’m here to help them navigate the scientific environment with confidence.”

Dr. Jacqueline Smith

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Academic Student Affairs