Smith Research Lab
The Team
Our Research Lab
Welcome to the Smith Research Lab, a pioneering chemistry research group within the Department of Chemistry at Howard University. Led by Dr. Jacqueline Smith, our lab is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of chemical science through innovative research, rigorous experimentation, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Jacqueline Smith
Lab Director
Dr. Jacqueline Smith completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she was a part of the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park, under Dr. Herman Sintim and conducted postdoctoral research at Georgetown University in the Drug Discovery Lab of Dr. Milton Brown. After completing her Postdoctoral research, she developed a research program working with over 30 undergraduate and high school students from 2016 to 2024. At Bowie, Dr. Smith was awarded numerous grants, including an NSF CAREER award. At Howard, she has expanded her research on developing small-molecule therapeutics to modulate cell signaling and migration. She is also using organic synthesis to develop bioanalytical tools that will ultimately be used for drug delivery.
Dr. Smith has a passion for outreach and works with local schools to enhance K-12 exposure to STEM. She is also an active member of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE).
Dr. Jeanee Bullock
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Jeanee Bullock received her B.S. in Biology from Bowie State University. After working as a post-baccalaureate fellow in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the NIH for two years, she earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Georgetown University through the NIH-Graduate Partnership Program. She conducted her thesis research in the National Eye Institute, characterizing the roles of neurotrophic factors in retinal cell survival and lipid metabolism under the mentorship of Dr. S. Patricia Becerra. Dr. Bullock’s areas of expertise are in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and retinal cell biology. As a postdoctoral research fellow in the lab of Dr. Jacqueline Smith, Dr. Bullock is applying her expertise towards research in protein-targeted drug discovery, with a focus on analyzing potential small molecule therapeutics as candidates for drug development.
Kamryn Walker
Graduate Student
Kamryn is a 2nd-year PhD student at Howard University focusing on the organic synthesis of small molecules and their biochemical applications as anticancer therapeutics. She received her Bachelor's degree from Davidson College where she was very active in research. During her undergraduate career she worked on drug development related to novel treatments against bacteria associated with tuberculosis. She has also worked on energy and resource preservation projects like redox mediators for lithium-air batteries and alternatives to diesel fuels. Kamryn’s experiences have allowed her to develop expertise in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Schlenk Line and Glovebox Technique, Distillation, Thin Layer Chromatography, Column Chromatography, and Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis. In the future, Kamryn hopes to continue merging her love for organic synthesis with community impact, whether it be medicinally or environmentally.
Zyare Ore
Graduate Student
Zyare is a 3rd-year MD/PhD student at Howard University focusing on medicinal chemistry with an interest in the organic synthesis of small molecules and their applications as therapeutics. Previously, he has worked in pharmacology and toxicology at the Medical College of Georgia studying the effects of circadian rhythms on vascular remodeling. He has also worked in physiology studying the calcium signaling effects of shear stress on renal collecting duct cells. Zyare's previous experiences have allowed him to develop his techniqure in cell culture, flourescence microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, viral vectors, animal breeding, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, and distillation. In the future, Zyare aims to merge his medicinal chemistry knowledge with his clinical expertise to make advancements in the areas of wound healing and regenerative medicine.