Brooke Smith (she/her)
Assistant Professor College of Arts & Sciences Department of Biological and Physical Sciences Charlotte
Biography
Brooke L. Smith, PhD. is a biological engineer, researcher, public health professional, and educator with interdisciplinary expertise spanning biological engineering, aerosol science, environmental science, microbiology, and public health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and her Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Smith’s professional experiences in research, public health, and higher education have shaped her commitment to applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. She has taught undergraduate courses in biology, food microbiology, environmental science, and laboratory sciences, emphasizing critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and connections between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
Through her work as a scientist and educator, Dr. Smith is committed to fostering curiosity, encouraging thoughtful inquiry, and helping students recognize the value of evidence-based thinking. She approaches science with intellectual humility, recognizing that meaningful discovery requires curiosity, openness to new perspectives, and a willingness to continually learn.
Smith, B. & Zhang, M. & Kumar, S. & King, M. (September, 2025). Aerosolization Affects Bacillus globigii Vegetative Cell and Spore Behaviors. (Journal Article).
Microorganisms.
Zhang, M. & Smith, B. & Wilsey, R. & Koch, T. & Dohanich, E. & McShane, P. & Honda, J. & King, M. (May, 2025). Culture and real-time quantitative PCR to detect environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria in a clinical care center. (Journal Article).
Total Environment Microbiology.
Smith, B. & Zhang, M. & King, M. (January (1st Quarter/Winter), 2025). Airborne Escherichia coli bacteria biosynthesize lipids in response to aerosolization stress. (Journal Article).
Scientific Reports.
Smith, B. & Fernando, S. & King, M. (December, 2024). Escherichia coli resistance mechanism AcrAB-TolC efflux pump interactions with commonly used antibiotics: amolecular dynamics study. (Journal Article).
Scientific Reports.
Smith, B. & King, M. (August, 2023). Sampling and Characterization of Bioaerosols in Poultry Houses. (Journal Article).
Microorganisms.
Ramos, G. & Pak, H. & Gerlich, R. & Jantrania, A. & Smith, B. & King, M. (March, 2023). Aerosol partitioning potential of bacteria presenting antimicrobial resistance from different stages of a small decentralized septic treatment system. (Journal Article).
Aerosol Science and Technology.
Smith, B. & King, M. (March, 2023). Quiescence of Escherichia coli Aerosols to Survive Mechanical Stress during High-Velocity Collection. (Journal Article).
Microorganisms.
Smith, B. & King, M. (May, 2022). Aerosolization triggers immediate antibiotic resistance in bacteria. (Journal Article).
Journal of Aerosol Science.
Baig, T. & Zhang, M. & Smith, B. & King, M. (March, 2022). Environmental Effects on Viable Virus Transport and Resuspension in Ventilation Airflow. (Journal Article).
Viruses.
King, M. & Lacey, R. & Pak, H. & Fearing, A. & Ramos, G. & Baig, T. & Smith, B. & Koustova, A. (February, 2020). Assays and Enumeration of Bioaerosols-Traditional Approaches to Modern Practices. (Journal Article).
Aerosol Science and Technology.
OpenTOX Annual Conference, “Biological Engineering to Model Airborne Pathogens and Mitigate their Transmission,”. (November, 2023).
American Association for Aerosol Research 40th Annual Conference, “Behaviors of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria after Exposure to Aerosolization Stress,”. (October, 2023).
“Preparing for Graduate School,” University of North Carolina at Greensboro Middle College. (October, 2023).
Texas A&M University Pathways Conference, “Environmental Effects Triggering Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria,” Texas A&M University. (October, 2022).
American Association for Aerosol Research 39th Annual Conference, “Molecular Changes in Bacteria after Aerosolization,”. (October, 2022).
STEMing for Greatness, “The Science of Science,” Texas A&M Agrilife. (April, 2021).