Adam E. Smith
As a University of Mississippi student, Adam E. Smith respected his instructors for their expertise in classroom teaching and research. Consequently, returning as the newest addition to the Department of Chemical Engineering faculty has been a surreal experience for the assistant professor.
“Much of who I am as an educator and a researcher was shaped by the faculty in the department,” said Smith, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Ole Miss. “It has been a slow transition to view the faculty not as instructors but as colleagues.”
That said, Smith said he enjoys every minute of his day, whether talking research ideas with fellow faculty members, listening to students discuss their work in the lab or helping a student understand concepts from class.
“I grew up in Memphis and in North Mississippi, and most of my family lives in the area, so accepting the position at Ole Miss meant I was coming home,” Smith said. “I knew the level of talent of our students, both in the classroom and in the research lab, and look forward to playing a role in shaping their future as so many of my professors did while I was a student.”
Smith received his doctorate in polymer science and engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a postdoctoral research scientist at Virginia Tech from January 2010 to June 2012.
“My research expertise is in stimuli-responsive polymer systems for controlled drug and gene delivery,” Smith said. “I am teaching Introduction to Chemical Engineering I in the fall and Chemical Process Principles II and Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering in the spring.”
Smith said his biggest goal is to maintain balance in his life.
“While I love being a faculty member, I very much enjoy spending time with my family and friends,” said Smith, who lists mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, whitewater rafting and scuba diving among his hobbies. “Professionally, I look forward to establishing a well-respected research group through collaborations with researchers in the School of Engineering as well as with other research groups on campus. I also hope to carry on the tradition in the department of being a great teacher inside and outside the classroom.”
The alumnus has been well received by his colleagues.
“We feel very proud of the students that we graduate,” said Clint Williford, chair and professor of chemical engineering. “In Adam’s case, we’re especially pleased when they go out, mature elsewhere, and then return to strengthen and build our program and educate future Ole Miss students.”
Smith is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society for Engineering Education and American Chemical Society – Divisions of Polymer Chemistry and Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering.
He is married to Deborah L. Smith, who also graduated from Ole Miss with a doctorate in pharmacy. The couple has a daughter, Ryleigh Anne.
