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Natasha Lynn Smith, PhD

Email: doctash.chem@gmail.com

Summary

PhD Chemist and entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience performing innovative research at the intersection of physical, materials, & analytical chemistry and 3 years of experience building businesses and leading teams to successful completion of projects.

Started and operated a high-complexity diagnostic lab in an area of need during the pandemic
DoD funded R&D on chemically selective stimuli-responsive polymers for applications in chem/bio colorimetric sensing, catalyzing hazardous compound decontamination, and specific chemical sequestration
Grant writing; from idea creation to R&D strategic planning and project budgeting to implementation of funded project and submission of required reporting

Education

University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA

PhD Physical Chemistry, 2019

Advisor: Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Sanford A. Asher

Dissertation: Development of 2-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Sensors and Pure Protein Organogel Sensing and Catalytic Materials

West Virginia University Morgantown, WV

B.S. Chemistry, 2009

Research Advisors: Professor Charles Jaffe and Professor George O'Doherty

Undergraduate Thesis: De Novo Synthesis and GAMESS Computations of Goniothalamin-based Derivatives

Experience

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Roxby Development

Wheeling, WV

Chief Scientific Officer (April 2021 - October 2022)

Opened high complexity diagnostic laboratory in an area of need
Began lab operations and sample processing in < 4 months; scaled operations to rapidly increase capacity
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
Reduced regional COVID PCR lab result turnaround times from 5 days to 6-24 hours
Secured state contract for community testing and K-12 school testing for COVID-19
Generated $4.8 Million during first year of operation
Managed 20 person team to implement RT-PCR testing protocols, develop cGLP training, and ensure continuous production of high quality lab results
Project management & day-to-day operations of high complexity diagnostic lab, & decontamination lab

Scientific Consultant (March 2020 - April 2021)

Obtained Emergency Use Authorization for N95 respirator sterilization from the FDA on October, 20th 2020
Optimized hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization cycle parameters on Bioquell’s Clarus system for the Roxby Development’s Zoe-Ann N95 Mask Decontamination System
Designed & completed validation studies showing Log 6 reduction of biological burden.
Served as Study director for Bioquell’s real-world study on N95 mask sterilization using their BQ-50 hydrogen peroxide vapor generator

University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry

Pittsburgh, PA

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (September 2019 - April 2021)

PI: Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Sanford A. Asher

Graduate Research Assistant (January 2011 - September 2019)

Advisor: Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Sanford A. Asher

Graduate Teaching Assistant (August 2010 - May 2011)

Developed stimuli-responsive polymers with selective volume phase transitions for colorimetric chem/biosensors based on photonic crystal sensing technology
Conceptualized and fabricated novel hydrogel, ionogel, and/or organogel materials for chemical sensing of organophosphate nerve agent simulants, drugs, surfactants, viruses, ammonia gas, and humidity
Designed novel stimuli-responsive pure protein polymers for sensing and catalysis applications in both aqueous & non-aqueous media
Expanded photonic crystal sensing technology to gas detection by utilizing low vapor pressure liquids
Discovered irreversible phase transition in pure protein polymer materials that enables fabrication of water/humidity insensitive sensors
Improved homogeneity of pure protein organogel sensing materials by developing new fabrication methods
Initiated utilization of Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy for characterizing hydrated polymer nanostructure
Scaled-up 2D photonic crystal fabrication; Increased fabricated area (3X) and improve ordering of self-assembled nano/micro particles
Streamlined 2D photonic crystal particle spacing measurements using the diffracted Debye ring diameter
Managed research programs for 4-6 person teams; coordinated experimental work, and reviewed experimental design and data analysis
Built relationships with external departments & facilities, e.g. Cryo-EM characterization facility at Univ. of Minnesota
Authored or co-authored grant proposals and white papers to federal funding agencies
Awarded two DTRA grants (co-author); both grants were awarded the optional 2 funding years based on significant progress
Produced final and annual technical reports to funding agencies
Maintained lab safety & organized EH&S inspections
Co-founding member of the Graduate Student Advisory Board & the Chemistry Graduate Peer Mentoring Program

Bayer Material Science

Pittsburgh, PA

R&D Chemistry Internship: Coatings/Adhesives/Specialties Division (Summer 2009 & Summer 2010)

Supervisors: Amy Wylie & David Zelinski

Formulated zero-VOC polyaspartic coatings for inclusion of pigments and metallic flake
Optimized polyurethane coating formulations for customer applications
Evaluated physical properties of coating formulations using dynamic mechanical analysis

The Linsly School

Wheeling, WV

Intern/Substitute Teacher (August 2009-May 2010)

Supervisors: Chad Barnett, Headmaster & Cheryl Sprague, Upper School Dean

Developed and carried out lesson plans for AP Calculus (AB & BC), AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Psychology, & US History
Executed lessons plans during teacher absences in all subjects, Grades 5-12
Academic mentor for college application process & Tutor for math & sciences

Publications

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Google Scholar Link

1. N. L. Smith, A. Coukouma, R. Jakebek, S. Asher; “Mechanisms by which Organic Solvent Exchange Transforms Responsive Pure Protein

Hydrogels into Responsive Organogels.” Biomacromolecules 2020, 21, 839- 853

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01522

2. N. L. Smith, A. Coukouma, B. Ho, V. Gray, S. Asher; “Stimuli-Responsive Pure Protein Organogel Sensors and Biocatalytic Materials.”

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2020, 12, 238-249

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b18191

3. N. L. Smith, A. Coukouma, S. Dubnik, S. Asher; “Debye Ring Diffraction Elucidation of 2D Photonic Crystal Self-Assembly and

Ordering at the Air-Water Interface.” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2017, 19, 31813-31822

https://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP07130B

4. N. L. Smith, Z. Hong, S. Asher; “Responsive Ionic Liquid-Polymer 2D Photonic Crystal Gas Sensors.” Analyst 2014, 139, 6379-6386

https://doi.org/10.1039/C4AN01485E

5. A. Coukouma, N.L. Smith, S. Asher; “Removable interpenetrating network enables highly-responsive 2-D photonic crystal hydrogel

sensors.” Analyst 2015, 140, 6517-6521. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5AN01204J

6. Z. Cai, N.L. Smith, J. Zhang, S. Asher; "Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Chemical and Biomolecular Sensors, Review.” Analytical

Chemistry 2015, 87, 5013-5025. https://doi.org/10.1021/ac504679n

7. J. Zhang, N.L. Smith, S. Asher; "Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystals Surfactant Detection." Analytical Chemistry 2012 , 84, 6416-6420.

https://doi.org/10.1021/ac300174m

Technical Expertise & Skills

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Subject Matter Expertise

Polymer Physics/Responsive Materials

Flory polymer solution theory
Polymer volume phase transitions & phase separation
Stimuli-responsive hydrogel, organogel, ionogel design
Thermodynamics, kinetics, & mechanisms of responsive materials
Design of selective responsive polymer chemical or biological sensors

Biomaterials/Biochemistry

Development of functional biomaterials
Protein stabilization via immobilization
Protein activity in organic solvents
Protein hydration in organic solvents
Protein biopolymers in aqueous and non-aqueous environments

Colloids/Photonic Crystals

2D & 3D photonic crystals
Sensing applications of photonic crystals
Photonic crystal light diffraction
Self-assembly of colloidal particles

General Scientific Research

Design of experiment
Creative problem solving
Data analysis

Research/Laboratory Skills

Characterization/Instrumental Techniques

Photonic crystal particle ordering & particle spacing using light diffraction
Polymer lower critical solution temp. & volume phase transitions
Polymer morphology & nanostructure
Protein secondary structure determination using UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy
Physical properties of soft materials
Enzyme activity assays
Protein-Ligand Binding
Nano/micro colloidal particle size & charge
SEM/TEM
Cryo-SEM
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
UV/Vis/IR Absorption spectroscopy

Synthesis & Fabrication

Fabrication of pure protein polymers
Bioconjugation techniques (protein-protein & protein-polymer)
Polymer Functionalization
UV & Thermally initiated free radical polymerization
Ionic liquid synthesis and purification
Polymer nanoparticle & microparticle synthesis using emulsion and dispersion polymerization
Fabrication of close packed colloidal particle monolayer using Marangoni effect
Crystalline colloidal array self-assembly
Starting material & product purification

Software

PyMol & Chimera (proficient)
ImageJ (NIH) (proficient)
Mathematica/MATLAB (intermediate)
Autocad (basic)

Soft Skills

Leading multidisciplinary and multi-skill level teams
Regulatory compliance
Business relationship development
Strategic planning and analysis
B2B and direct consumer marketing and sales
Vendor contract negotiation
Grant and Proposal writing - Federal Funding (DTRA, ONR, ARL, DARPA, NIH) and State Contracts

Journal publication & technical report writing
Recruiting, hiring, retaining employees
Creating positive and productive work culture
Cross-discipline/department collaborations
Public speaking
cGLP and safety training
Science outreach & youth mentoring
Conflict resolution

Presentations

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Technical

1. American Society for Microbiology’s Clinical Virology Symposium, West Palm Beach, FL May 2, 2022

“Real-World Utilization of the Quidel Lyra Direct SARS-CoV-2 Assay with the Integra Assist Plus” N.L. Smith (invited speaker)

2. Pittcon Conference and Expo 2021, Digital Conference March 9, 2021

“Elucidating the Mechanisms Involved in the Transformation of Responsive Pure Protein Hydrogels into Responsive Organogels” N.L. Smith, A. Coukouma, R. Jakubek, S.A. Asher (oral presentation)

3. Covestro Lecture Series 2019, Pittsburgh, PA October 17, 2019

“Mechanisms of the Pure Protein Hydrogel to Organogel Transformation and Their Applications” N.L. Smith, S.A. Asher (poster)

4. Doctoral Defense, Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh August 12, 2019

“Development of 2-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Sensors and Pure Protein Organogel Sensing and Catalytic Materials” Natasha L. Smith

Committee: Distinguished Professor Sanford A. Asher, Professor Sean Garrett-Roe, Professor Seth Horne, & Professor Sachin Velankar

5. Intelligent Optical Systems, Torrence, CA June 27, 2019

“Photonic Crystal Colorimetric Sensors and Biocatalytic Materials” N.L. Smith (oral presentation)

6. Oregon State University, Department of Chemical Engineering May 3, 2018

“Smart Polymeric Materials: 2D Photonic Crystal Sensors & Pure Protein Hydrogels and Organogels” N.L. Smith (invited speaker)

7. Pittcon Conference and Expo 2018, Orlando, Fl February 27, 2018

“Organophosphate Sensing using 2D Photonic Crystal Protein Hydrogels and Organogels” N.L. Smith, B. Ho, S.A. Asher (oral presentation)

8. Chem & Bio Defense Science & Technology Conference 2017, Long Beach, CA November 28, 2017

“Novel Color Shifting Responsive Protein Hydrogels and Organogels for Specific Detection and Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents” N.L. Smith, B. Ho, S.A. Asher (poster)

9. Covestro Lecture Series 2017, Pittsburgh, PA October 26, 2017

“Novel Color Shifting Responsive Protein Hydrogels and Organogels for Specific Detection and Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents” N.L. Smith, B. Ho, S.A. Asher (poster)

10. Dynamic Multifunctional Materials for a Second Skin DTRA Program Review, Pittsburgh, PA May 17, 2017

“2D Photonic Crystals: Self-Assembly at the Air-Water Interface, Ordering, and Diffraction” N.L. Smith, A. Coukouma, S.A. Asher (poster)

11. Adventures in Enhanced Spectroscopies: Resonance Raman, Surface Enhanced Raman, and Twisted Chiro Optical Spectroscopies.

Celebrating 37 Years of Photonic Explorations by Distinguished Prof. Sanford Asher, Pittsburgh, Pa May 11, 2017

“2D Photonic Crystals: Self-Assembly, Order, and Diffraction” N.L. Smith, S.A Asher (poster)

12. Phillips Lecture 2017, Pittsburgh, PA May 17, 2017

“2D Photonic Crystals: Self-Assembly, Ordering, and Diffraction” N.L. Smith, S.A. Asher (poster)

13. Pittcon Conference and Expo 2017, Chicago, IL March 9, 2017

“2D Photonic Crystals: Self-Assembly, Ordering, and Diffraction” N.L. Smith, A. Coukouma, S.A. Asher (oral presentation)

14. Pittcon Conference and Expo 2015, New Orleans, LA March 9, 2015

“Responsive Ionic Liquid-Polymer Photonic Crystal Sensors” N.L. Smith, Z. Hong, S.A. Asher (oral presentation)

15. Pittcon Conference and Expo 2014, Chicago, IL March 2, 2014

“Ionic Liquid Polymerized Photonic Crystal Gas Sensors” N.L. Smith, Z. Hong, S.A. Asher (oral presentation)

16. Bayer Lecture Series 2014, Pittsburgh, PA September 17, 2014

“Responsive Ionic Liquid-Polymer 2D Photonic Crystal Gas Sensors” N.L. Smith, Z. Hong, S.A. Asher (poster)

17. PPG Young Innovator’s Showcase 2014, Pittsburgh, PA April, 7 2014

“Responsive Ionic Liquid-Polymer 2D Photonic Crystal Sensors” N.L. Smith, Z. Hong, S.A. Asher (poster)

18. Bayer Lecture Series 2013, Pittsburgh, PA September, 23 2013

“Novel 2D Polymerized Photonic Crystal Sensors for Visual Detection of Vaporous Analytes” N.L. Smith, G. Morgan, S.A. Asher (poster)

19. PPG Research Showcase 2012, Pittsburgh, PA November, 2 2012

“Novel 2D Polymerized Photonic Crystal Sensors for Visual Detection of Vaporous Analytes” N.L. Smith, G. Morgan, S.A. Asher (poster)

Science Communication & Outreach

1. ACS Student Affiliates Meeting, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA March, 1 2019

“Creativity in Scientific Research; Art in Science” N. L. Smith (invited speaker)

2. Julabo’s W.I.S.D.O.M. (Women in Science Demonstrating Outstanding Merit), Allentown, Pa April 12, 2018

“Women Mentoring Women in STEM” N.L. Smith (Panel Member)

3. Pitt Program Council and The Pitt Pulse presents “Science & Art Night” Pittsburgh, Pa January 18, 2018

“Science is Art: 2-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Art” N.L. Smith (invited speaker)

4. Chem & Bio Defense Science & Technology Conference 2017, Long Beach, CA November 29, 2017

“Developing New Materials for Chem/Bio Sensing” T. Whitfield, N.L Smith (outreach event)

5. Adventures in Enhanced Spectroscopies: Celebrating 37 Years of Photonic Explorations by Distinguished Prof. Sanford Asher

Pittsburgh, Pa May 11, 2017

“2D Photonic Crystal Art” N.L. Smith (art installation & video presentation)

6. Spirit Art Show, Pittsburgh, Pa November 5, 2016

“Color from Nanostructures and Fluid Dynamics: 2D Photonic Crystal Art” N.L. Smith (art show)

7. Cineshape Performance, Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA May 4, 2016

Live Music & Art Performance (performance)

8. Phipps Conservatory & Center for Sustainable Landscapes “Lunch and Learn”, Pittsburgh, Pa April 6, 2016

“Photonic Crystal Sensors: Color from Structure” N.L. Smith (oral presentation)

9. The Strategic Cannabis Conference, West Virginia University College of Law, Morgantown, WV March 17, 2016

"Applications of Hemp in the Polymer Industry" N.L. Smith (oral presentation and panel discussion video link)

10. Cineshape Workshop, Pittsburgh, PA February 19, 2016

“Collaboration between Disciplines: Art, Music, and Science” N.L. Smith, A. Henderson, and A. Williams (presentation and panel discussion)

11. Phipps Conservatory & Center for Sustainable Landscapes, Pittsburgh, Pa January 16, 2016

Meet the Scientists Event “Photonic Crystal Sensors: Color from Structure” N.L. Smith (public outreach event)

12. Phipps Conservatory & Center for Sustainable Landscapes, Pittsburgh, Pa November 21, 2015

Meet the Scientists Event “Photonic Crystal Sensors: Color from Structure” N.L. Smith (public outreach event)

13. The Linsly School Alumni Career Panel, Wheeling, WV October 9, 2015

“The STEM PhD Process and Career Opportunities” N.L. Smith (speech & panel disscussion)

Community Outreach

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Comm Outreach

Co-founding member and post-doc representative on the Pitt Chemistry Graduate Student Advisory Board, GSAB (2019-2021)
Pitt Chemistry Graduate Student Peer Mentoring Program, one of the first initiatives of GSAB
Phipps Conservatory and Center for Sustainable Landscapes Science Communication Fellow
Women in Science Demonstrating Outstanding Merit (W.I.S.D.O.M.), Julabo, Inc
Invited to speak at ACS student affiliates meeting to discuss the creative aspects of science and creating art from scientific advancements
The Linsly School career panel - discussing STEM research and the path to a PhD with high school students
Utilizing photonic crystal art to spark public interest in science

Societies & Activities

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Societies

Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society
American Chemical Society
Society for Analytical Chemistry of Pittsburgh
Women's Chemist Community
Phi Lambda Upsilon (West Virginia University and University of Pittsburgh chapters)

Activities

Pitt Chemistry Graduate Student Advisory Board (founding member)
Graduate Peer Mentoring Program (founding member)
Phipps Conservatory and Center for Sustainable Landscapes Science Communication Fellow
Photonic Crystal Artist
Classical/Opera Singer

Soc & Activities