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Jordi Folch-Pi Memorial Award for 2000

Dr. Mark Smith

Dr. Mark Smith

Dr. Mark Smith was the winner of the 2000 Jordi-Folch-Pi Memorial Award. The focus of Dr. Smith’s research is on the pathological mechanism(s) underlying selective neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Smith’s research involves a variety of techniques ranging from histological to molecular biology to cellular models and encompasses diagnostic, mechanistic, and therapeutic strategies. His projects are directed towards 1) fundamental metabolic alterations; 2) homeostatic dysregulation of transition metals; 3) signal transduction alterations; and 4) inappropriate re-entry into the cell cycle. Dr. Smith has authored over 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts and chapters and is one of the top cited Alzheimer disease researchers. Dr. Smith received his B.Sc. with Honors in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Hatfield College, Durham University, England (1986). He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Nottingham University, England, in 1990. Dr. Smith spent the next two years as a Research Fellow at Sandoz Forschungsinstitut in Vienna, Austria. Presently, he is Professor of Pathology at Case. Dr. Smith is the recipient of several awards including the Ruth Salta Junior Investigator Achievement Award from the American Health Assistance Foundation, Young Scientist Lectureship Award from the International Society for Neurochemistry, the Nathan Shock New Investigator Award from The Gerontological Society of America, the Zenith Award from the Alzheimer's Association, and the Hermann-Esterbauer Award from the HNE Society and is a fellow of the American Aging Association. Dr. Smith has also been recognized for his contributions to teaching with, among others, the Outstanding Mentor Award from the School of Graduate Studies.