Hannah Smith

Biography

Previous Degrees
BS Biotechnology with an emphasis in microbial systems and a minor in microbiology.

What is your favorite word? What do you like about it?
My favorite word is palindrome. It was coined by a 17th century English writer and the word is derived from the Greek roots that translate to backward running, and it is probably the only thing I remember learning in 3rd grade. My name is also a palindrome, which is probably why the word has stuck with me for so long.

What is on your bookshelf?
You would find on my bookshelf a mixture of scientific books such as the Hot Zone or The Perfect Predator intermingled with a variety of fiction and nature photography books!

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in the agriculture industry and have a black belt in Taekwondo.

What excites you about joining Texas A&M School of Medicine for your PhD studies?
Texas A&M is a school I always grew up hearing about but never necessarily thought was attainable. The fact that now I get to pursue a degree I am passionate about at a world-renowned institution and call myself an Aggie is truly a dream come true.

If you could meet any scientist throughout history, who would you want to meet and why?
If I could meet any scientist throughout history, it would be Marie Curie. She was essential in the research of radioactivity and implementing a fleet of mobile x-ray units during WWI saving countless lives. Not only was she the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, but the first and only individual to win two Nobel Prizes in two separate scientific fields. As a fundamental figure in science, meeting her would be a unique experience as she was truly at the forefront of the field and set the bar high for those who followed in her footsteps in the pursuit of benefiting humankind.

Tell us something you are passionate about apart from research.
Traveling! My goal is to go to as many countries as possible. I love to explore, learn about different cultures, and try new foods.