Dr. Kaitlan S. Smith

Dr. Kaitlan Smith is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. A proud member of the Lumbee tribe and committed advocate for underrepresented minorities in science and medicine, Dr. Smith brings both deep expertise and heartfelt dedication to her work as a scientist and educator.

 

She began her academic journey at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where she earned a B.S. in Biotechnology and proudly remains an alumna and member of BraveNation. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where her doctoral dissertation, “Genetic and Pharmacological Inhibitors of Necroptosis in STUB1-Dependent Ataxias,” explored how inhibiting necroptosis, a highly proinflammatory form of cell death, may reduce the severity and progression of neurodegeneration throughout aging.

 

Dr. Smith’s research continues to focus on understanding necroptosis and its role in the progression and severity of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the UNC-Duke Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), she is currently investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying necroptosis in Alzheimer’s disease with the goal of identifying new and novel therapeutic strategies that may aid in neuroprotection. Through this work, she is committed to advancing scientific knowledge in ways that may ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions without effective treatment options.

 

Dr. Smith’s transition from biomedical researcher to educator reflects her passion for discovery and her dedication to empowering the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals through engaging, evidence-based instruction rooted in real-world science. She brings both academic rigor and clinical relevance to the classroom, striving to create an interactive and supportive learning environment that encourages students to think critically, act compassionately, and serve their future patients with confidence.

 

When she’s not teaching or in the lab, Dr. Smith enjoys the slower pace of life in her hometown of Fuquay-Varina, where she lives with her husband, Cody. A true local at heart, she’s often spotted savoring a scoop (or two) at Sunny Skies Homemade Ice Cream Parlor or treasure hunting in the town’s antique shops. Whether mentoring students or browsing vintage finds, Dr. Smith brings curiosity, warmth, and a sense of purpose to everything she does.