Dr. Sheryl Smith, associate professor of Biology, has been selected as the 2016 Michael L. Berger Faculty Scholars and Artists Prize recipient at Arcadia University. Dr. Smith is the second faculty member to receive this award, which was introduced by friends of Provost Emeritus Michael Berger to recognize individuals and research groups that produce pioneering work in their field of study.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Smith has made significant contributions to understanding the role of epigenetic factors in the regulation of gene expression during development.  Since 2008, Dr. Smith’s research has been focused on elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying toxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in commercial and household products. Using Drosophila as a model system for human disease, she employs a variety of cell and molecular, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to investigate how toxicants affect essential biological processes including growth and metabolism.  Dr. Smith has mentored more than 25 students, with whom she has co-authored national and regional meeting presentations, as well as peer-reviewed publications since joining the faculty in 2007. 

Dr. Smith’s long history of groundbreaking research and years spent mentoring students will be acknowledged at Arcadia’s Undergraduate Commencement ceremony on May 20.