Smith is internationally recognized as a key opinion leader, an innovator in scientific discovery and an avid mentor of students and junior scientists, according to Germinator. He has extensive expertise in cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, along with decades of experience leading sponsored research on infectious diseases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Smith to the Germinator Scientific Advisory Board,” said Jeff Gill, founder and CEO of Germinator. “His valuable knowledge and industry expertise will help to further validate our continued research, process and methods to provide communities across the country with a safe, non-toxic and effective solution to sanitizing and disinfecting, which is of vital importance now more than ever.”

Germinator utilizes a two-step process to sanitize and disinfect surfaces as well as provide long-lasting protection against odor-causing bacteria, bacteria that cause stains and discoloration, fungi such as mold and mildew, and algae. 

“I am very excited for the opportunity to serve on the Germinator Scientific Advisory Board,” said Smith. “Germinator’s products and business objectives are well-aligned with current and future needs to ensure safe environments for work, education, social gathering and travel. It is a privilege and honor to use my training and expertise in furtherance of Germinator’s platform and future development of unique sterilization products.”   

Smith, MS, MA, Ph.D., is the founder, CEO and president of New York-based OyaGen, a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel pharmaceutical therapies. He leads a team of scientists who are advancing new classes of drugs for the treatment of coronaviruses, HIV and ebola. In addition to his work with OyaGen, Smith is a full professor at the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he teaches biochemistry and biophysics. He also serves as a senior associate at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Smith is a member of URMC’s Center for AIDS Research with a secondary appointment as a professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Over his 34 years on the faculty, he has also served as a member of the Cancer Center and Center for RNA Biology.  

In addition to Dr. Smith, the SAB includes experts in infectious disease, biological containment and regulatory affairs.