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College of Arts & Sciences
smith holding plaque with people

Antimicrobial agents do more than just fight infections—they open windows into the fundamental workings of life. Dr. James Smith has built a career defined by translating breakthrough antimicrobial discoveries into tangible clinical solutions.

“My research has led to the identification and structural characterization of novel antimicrobial agents that can be used to treat serious multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal infections”, Dr. Smith said. His team’s findings have unveiled new mechanisms of action against bacterial and fungal pathogens, opening entirely new avenues for therapeutic development. His work has led to groundbreaking discoveries that are under clinical development by several companies, such as Sano Chemicals Inc., Ostia Sciences Inc., and Oragenics Inc. Dr. Smith’s hybrid model, combining academic research excellence with entrepreneurial execution, sets a new standard for biotechnology innovation.

Why it matters: As antibiotic resistance rises and the pipeline of new treatments dwindles, discovering and understanding novel antimicrobial agents is more urgent than ever. Dr. Smith’s research not only contributes to the fight against drug-resistant infections but also enhances our knowledge of the microbial world—fueling both medical and scientific innovation.