CBTS Graduate Spotlight: Savanna Smith, PhD in Biomedical Sciences
Driven by a passion for helping others understand science, Dr. Savanna Smith graduated from the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences in May with her PhD in Biomedical Sciences in the Integrative Physiology discipline.
At UNT Health, Smith conducted research focused on maternal and child health in the lab of Dr. Mark Cunningham, while taking full advantage of teaching opportunities that prepared her for her next step.
In August, Smith’s educational journey came full circle. As she begins a new job as an Assistant Professor of Biology at her alma mater, Abilene Christian University, Smith reflected on the experiences, mentors and lessons that helped shape her path.
What inspired you to pursue your degree and why did you choose UNT Health?
As an undergraduate at Abilene Chrisitan University, I decided to major in biology, though I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with it. I simply enjoyed learning the subject and studying the life around me. During that time, I had the chance to help friends and colleagues with studying and was able to serve as a teaching assistant for some classes. I really loved working with others and helping them come to understand and learn the material and get closer to their goals.
I wanted to continue impacting students and helping them along the way, but I realized I would need a PhD to do that, and a PhD comes with research. I had conducted some research while as an undergraduate, and while it was interesting and helped me with some skills, I wanted to have more experience to determine if I would like research (and if I could do it for four or more years!). So, I decided to switch to a human health focused research lab to do my master's degree.
I attended Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Abilene, Texas, and I found that I did enjoy research after studying with Dr. Devin Lowe and creating a novel bi-specific antibody for colorectal cancer. I still wanted to teach, but at this point I was also considering the academic route for science. Dr. Lowe was actually the person who recommended that I apply to UNT Health, so I am very thankful to him for doing so.
Was there a memorable experience that shaped your time at UNT Health?
There were several great opportunities throughout my time at UNT Health, but a common theme was teaching. Both with our lab group and the PHANatics student group, we were able to go teach elementary students about physiology and spark their interest. With the T32 training program, TCOM labs, and teaching assistant opportunity for the Medical Science program, I had the opportunity to take part in some relatively formal teaching. In Dr. Mark Cunningham’s lab, I had several opportunities to train high school, undergraduate and medical students in TCOM. These opportunities were vital for reminding me why I chose this program in the first place and helped me practice how I communicate science and meet students where they are.
Is there an academic achievement or honor that you are especially proud of?
I was able to be a part of the T32 training program for two years and am very appreciative of Dr. Nathalie Sumien for her work in keeping the T32 available for trainees and their advisors.
Who had an impact on your success at UNT Health?
There are many people who have positively affected me throughout my time at UNT Health, especially my mentor Dr. Cunningham and lab mates Jonna Smith, Kylie Jones, and Angie Castillo.
What are your plans for the future?
Starting in August, I will be an Assistant Professor of Biology at Abilene Christian University. I will be teaching undergraduates and will have my own lab space to continue research. I hope to provide the opportunity for students who are interested in biomedical research to start early. I would love to continue working both with UNT Health Fort Worth and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Abilene to help students get to experience different types of research.
What advice do you have for current or future UNT Health students?
Life is too short to be negative. I want to encourage you to think positively and uplift one another. It makes the journey much more enjoyable.