Dr. Kaitlan S. Smith

Biography

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 a strong commitment to research, education, and mentorship
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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 the therapeutic potential of targeting necroptosis, a highly proinflammatory form of programmed cell death, in neurodegenerative disease.

Building upon her doctoral research, Dr. Smith studies the role of necroptosis and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on the cerebellum. Her work investigates how necroptotic cell death contributes to cerebellar dysfunction and degeneration in diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for conditions that currently lack effective treatment options. She also explores the role of the cerebellum in Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s research has traditionally focused on the cortex and hippocampus, growing evidence suggests that cerebellar dysfunction may contribute to disease progression and symptom development. Through this work, Dr. Smith seeks to advance our understanding of cerebellar involvement in neurodegeneration and identify potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

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, and their son, Jacob. 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.