Jennifer Smith

Dr. Jennifer Smith has subject matter expertise in virology and immunology, as well as a doctoral degree in Microbiology and Molecular Cell Sciences. After receiving her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia she took a position in a cutting-edge research laboratory with world-renowned virologist Dr. Robert Webster at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her efforts and those of the team were rewarded by the development of an efficacious H5N3 poultry vaccine as well as an H5N1 vaccine.

In 2016, she transitioned from research science to public health, taking a position as an epidemiological specialist in the Disease Outbreak Control Division at the Hawaii Department of Health. She was instrumental in the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts by identifying and investigating cases and contact tracing.