From South Florida to Alzheimer’s Research

Published July 8, 2026 | Request Information

Growing up, Drew Smith was always intrigued by mechanics and the art of mechanical systems.

After working under a master mechanic during his undergraduate years and volunteering in a neuroscience lab, Smith developed a fascination for learning and solving problems that can benefit people. This led him to the MS in Biotechnology program at Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs and, eventually, to a PhD program focused on developing therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Smith, a South Florida native, said his academic and professional journey was shaped by mentors, hands-on research experience, and his time at Johns Hopkins.

“I owe everything to my mentors and people who have guided me to where I am now,” Smith said.

Smith graduated a year early from Nova Southeastern University in spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and minors in bioinformatics, chemistry, and pre-health.

He then pursued his master’s at Hopkins while simultaneously working as a research assistant at UTHealth Houston.

“The online program’s flexibility allowed me to gain work experience while completing my master’s,” Smith said.

Smith said he pursued biotechnology because he wanted to pair strong scientific training with an understanding of the broader biotechnology industry.

“While a strong scientific background is important, science is also a business,” he said. “Regardless of whether I become a professor or enter the industry, having a background in business and biotechnology will be beneficial in all aspects.”

Graduating from Hopkins in spring 2025, he also received an honorable mention from the Center for Biotechnology Education’s Patrick Cummings Research Award for research completed at UTHealth Houston for Johns Hopkins course credit.

During his time in the program, Smith also served as a teaching assistant for Advanced Cell Biology and Cellular Signal Transduction. He said it was one of the most rewarding academic experiences he has ever had.

He credits Johns Hopkins faculty members Dr. Christopher Skipwith and Dr. Claudia Vargas as being instrumental to his success in the program.

“My professors and adviser are absolutely outstanding,” Smith said. “Dr. Skipwith is doing an excellent job directing the program.”

Now, Smith is continuing his scientific career as a PhD student in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

There, he is conducting research under Dr. Kevin Lin, whom Smith described as “an excellent mentor,” focusing on novel therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.