Joseph Terrell Smith Jr., PhD
“Dr. Read has allowed me to mature as a scientist and to begin developing my own research ideas that were distinct from her own,” Smith says.
Joseph, who earned his doctoral degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, does his research in the laboratory of Laurie K. Read, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology.
When he was interviewing for a position in Read’s lab, Smith was initially interested in another project. However, the opportunity to study RNA editing in the infective stage that is passed on to humans piqued his interest.
“It was this project that made me decide to come to UB. Once I was here, Dr. Read provided the intellectual space to think about the project, expand it, and allow me to take ownership of it,” Smith says.
“Dr. Read has allowed me to mature as a scientist and to begin developing my own research ideas that were distinct from her own,” Smith adds. “She has been preparing me to launch forward to the next step of establishing my own research program and I am grateful for her support and genuine mentorship.”