GSSM honors Dr. Julian Smith III with Distinguished Research Leadership Award
February 11, 2019
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) honored Dr. Julian Smith III with its 2019 Distinguished Research Leadership Award during the School’s 30th annual Research Colloquium Saturday, February 9, in Hartsville.
During the Colloquium gathering, 129 students presented their findings from scientific research conducted during their participation in the 2018 Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) and its international counterpart, the Research Experience Scholars Program (RESP).
Dr. Smith is Professor of Biology and Director of the Winthrop Microscope Facility at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. His research focuses on understanding the microscopic animals that live between grains of sand, particularly free living flatworms. He applies microscopy and molecular methods to learn about the evolution of these organisms and their food webs in response to human beachfront development and nourishment. His research and mentorship is supported by the SC Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence.
Dr. Smith earned his bachelor of science in chemistry from Wake Forest University and his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of North Carolina. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Maine and joined the faculty at Winthrop University in 1989. He is a member of the American Microscopical Society, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, South Carolina Academy of Science, and the International Association of Meiobenthologists. Among other honors, Dr. Smith received the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science Service Award in 1996.
Dr. Smith has mentored GSSM research students for more than 25 years. In his mentorship, he balances guidance of young scientists with challenging them to take the initiative in developing their experiments and understanding of the scientific method.
PRI and RESP are Capstone programs exclusive to GSSM. For six weeks between their junior and senior years, students conduct research at university or corporate research and development facilities under the mentorship of professional scientists, entrepreneurs or engineers, during which they deepen their understanding of the nature and process of research and learn the value research plays in our society. During their senior year, the students work with GSSM research advisors to prepare formal research papers and oral research presentations. The culmination of summer research is Colloquium, during which students formally present their projects to their peers, mentors, families and GSSM faculty and friends.
About GSSM
GSSM 30th Anniversary LogoCurrently celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding in 1988, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics is a nationally recognized school serving over four hundred of the state’s most accomplished STEM students in the 10th through 12th grades through its residential and virtual programs. GSSM offers college-level courses and experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at its campus in Hartsville. The school also delivers virtual curricula in engineering and STEM disciplines to students in partner school districts throughout the state. GSSM’s dynamic outreach programs, including science summer camps and teacher training, impact over 5,000 K-12 students every year. Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.
