Engaging Science: Meet the Inspiring Researchers of the Smith Family Foundation

Dr. Ana Fiszbein studies gene regulation, focusing on a process called RNA splicing, which works like editing a film to ensure cells keep the right RNA “scenes,” which work together to make proteins. Her team discovered that splicing can change where a gene starts, opening the door to new ways to switch genes on. She hopes this discovery will help prevent cancer in people born with only one working copy of certain genes.

Discover more about Dr. Fiszbein’s work.

Dr. Dong Kong studies how changes in lipid metabolism in the brain contribute to intellectual disabilities, which affect up to 3% of the global population and currently lack targeted treatments. His lab uncovered a molecular pathway involving the enzyme ACSL4 that helps shape how neurons develop and function. This insight could inform therapies aimed at reversing symptoms in a subset of intellectual disabilities.

Follow Dr. Kong’s path.

Dr. Joey Davis uses powerful imaging tools, like cryo-electron microscopy, to observe biological molecules down to the level of individual atoms. By visualizing how these tiny cellular machines work, his lab aims to understand how diseases disrupt them and how new medicines might fix those problems. He’s driven by a curiosity to uncover the fundamental rules that make life possible at the molecular scale. 

Uncover Dr. Davis’ research.

Dr. Josue Flores Kim studies how bacteria grow, divide, and evolve resistance to antibiotics—drugs that have saved countless lives but are becoming less effective. Instead of making new versions of old antibiotics, his lab investigates the forces and mutations that let bacteria outsmart treatments. By understanding these processes, he hopes to stop resistance before it starts and help spark the next generation of lifesaving antibiotics. 

Spark innovation with Dr. Flores Kim.

Dr. Lucas Farnung investigates how cells manage to pack six feet of DNA into the tiny space of the nucleus while still allowing molecular machines to access and read it. His lab studies what happens when this process goes wrong, leading to diseases like cancer or neurodevelopmental disorders. By visualizing these molecular machines in action, he aims to reveal new drug targets and deepen our understanding of how life is organized. 

Solve the puzzle with Dr. Farnung.

Dr. Marc Wein studies the bone disease osteoporosis, inspired in part by his grandmother’s fractures and the devastating impact they had on her independence. His research focuses on osteocytes—cells that act as conductors in the constant remodeling of bone—and how aging disrupts their signals. By targeting these cells, he hopes to develop new therapies that strengthen bones and better protect older adults from life-altering fractures. 

Pursue protection with Dr. Wein.

Dr. Meg Younger explores how mosquitoes use their sense of smell to find people—a behavior that leads to over half a million deaths each year from mosquito-borne diseases. Her lab measures how attractive different people are to mosquitoes and identifies the sweat chemicals responsible. Understanding these cues may allow scientists to disrupt mosquito smell and reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission worldwide. 

Disrupt disease with Dr. Younger.

Dr. Mohsan Saeed studies the fundamental ways viruses invade and hijack the human body, work that guides the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs. His team made key discoveries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including identifying a viral protein essential for SARS-CoV-2 to cause disease. He believes preparing for future pandemics depends on asking bold questions and uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in viruses.

Forge ahead with Dr. Saeed.

Dr. Naama Kanarek investigates how cells adapt to stress—and how cancer cells use this adaptability to survive treatments like immunotherapy. In pediatric leukemia, current therapies can damage healthy brain cells, so her team is working to keep treatments effective while protecting children’s developing brains. By tracking how nutrients move through cells, they aim to weaken cancer cells and strengthen immune cells at the same time. 

Get smarter with Dr. Kanarek.

Dr. Richard Liu is a synthetic chemist who designs new chemical reactions—tools that help others create medicines and materials. He sees chemistry as a way to turn ideas into real molecules within days, enabling faster discovery of novel drugs hidden within the vast number of possible compounds. His collaborative group builds the reactions that could one day lead to the next life-saving medication. 

Start building with Dr. Liu.