Jeff Smith, PhD.

My name is Jeff Smith and I am currently serving as the Malcolm and Lois Field Endowed Chair in Health Science and as the Director of the Brain Research Laboratory at Saginaw Valley State University. I earned my BS and MS in psychology from Georgia College and my Ph.D. in psychology from Emory University. The research that my students and I are currently focused on explores the mechanisms (behavioral, cellular, and pharmacological) that impact recovery from traumatic brain injury. I have mentored over sixty undergraduates in my lab over the years and many have gone on to receive post-baccalaureate training in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and other health professions.

I have been an active member of the undergraduate neuroscience community since 1999 serving as councilor for the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) for two terms and on multiple sub committees including the Nu Rho Psi steering committee, the Public Policy committee, and am currently chairing the equipment loan program. I am currently serving as the member-at-large councilor for the Michigan SfN chapter and have previously served on the Midwest region steering committee for Psi Chi. In addition, I have just been elected president of FUN.

Translational neuroscience is a major component of health science programs across the nation. It is an area of science that allows students to participate in research focused experiences in areas that are directly related to health concerns. Students in the Brain Research Lab have the opportunity to learn and experience all aspects of neuroscience related to neurological dysfunction and work on teams exploring different approaches to enhancing restoration and recovery from damage to the brain.  Students interested in neuroscience should contact me and visit the lab to see if there are opportunities that parallel their developmental goals.

For more information contact Dr. Smith at jsmith12@svsu.edu and visit the BRL website at http://www. brl-svsu.org/

Jeffrey S.  Smith, PhD
The Malcolm & Lois Field Endowed Chair of Health Sciences
College of Health and Human Services
Health Science Building, 202
(989) 964-4503