Karmen Smith is a rising senior Chemistry major at Spelman College, hailing from Atlanta. She actively engages in a wide range of research, with interests that span from organic chemistry to cellular and molecular immunology. Karmen's work on the inflammatory response of human lung epithelial cells has earned her the opportunity to present at prestigious scientific conferences, including the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). On campus, she holds two executive board positions, serving as treasurer of the Chemistry Club and secretary of the Transfer Student Association (TSA), all while contributing to the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.
In addition to her leadership roles, Karmen is dedicated to helping others succeed in STEM by tutoring students in Calculus I and II and volunteering with science-oriented organizations like the Atlanta Science Festival (ASF). She also participates in the Undergraduate Health Sciences Academy (UHSA) at Morehouse School of Medicine, demonstrating her commitment to STEM fields and creating spaces for underrepresented individuals to thrive.
In the summer of 2024, Karmen plans to study abroad with Spelman's Health Careers Program, in partnership with the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), to explore global health issues in Cape Town, South Africa. After her study abroad experience, she intends to conduct environmental health research at Harvard University in the Kari Nadeau lab.
After graduation, Karmen aims to pursue a PharmD, with the goal of contributing to healthcare as a licensed pharmacist.
“LINCS Scholars are two-year cohorts of women scientists at Spelman College, who aspire to become leaders in STEM. These students contribute dynamic science and diverse perspective to a growing field. Typically, most of our LINCS Scholars reside in Laura Spelman Residence Hall, a social justice dorm on Spelman’s campus."