Lawrence E. Cornett PhD Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research

Dr. Mark Smeltzer Receives Lawrence E. Cornett Award

Leading Researcher in Bacterial Infections for the University of Arkansas for Medical Science Adds Another Honor to a Prolific Career in Science

The Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) announced today that Dr. Mark Smeltzer, ARA Academy Member and Professor for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), received the Lawrence E. Cornett Award, bestowed annually upon individuals who have made significant strides in amplifying the impact of biomedical research across Arkansas.

“I was born in Arkansas,” said Dr. Smeltzer a native of El Dorado, Arkansas. “So being given an award for having had a positive impact on research across the state is really special.”

Dr. Smeltzer, whose research focuses on molecular pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus infections, received his doctorate from Kansas State University. His recruitment to UAMS was based on the observation that S. aureus was and continues to be the leading cause of infections involving bone and indwelling orthopedic devices. These infections are remarkably difficult to treat even when the offending bacterial strain is susceptible to the preferred antibiotics. This most often necessitates surgical intervention to remove infected tissues and/or indwelling devices. A primary goal of the Smeltzer laboratory has been to understand the pathophysiology of Staphylococcus aureus as an orthopedic pathogen to a degree than can be exploited to prophylactic and therapeutic advantage.

“Dr. Smeltzer’s research in understanding Staphylococcal infections has led to groundbreaking therapies that save thousands of lives every year,” said Douglas Hutchings, ARA Academy Director. “It was our honor to bestow this award on such an accomplished member of Arkansas’ research community.”

The Lawrence E. Cornett Award, known affectionately as “The Larry,” is named for Dr. Lawrence E. Cornett, a distinguished professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Physiology and Cell Biology and director the Arkansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. The award was announced at the Annual Arkansas INBRE Research Conference earlier this November.

“The Larry is one way ARA recognizes the essential Arkansas researchers who deliver real impact on our everyday lives,” said Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA President and CEO. “Mark is a dedicated member of the ARA Academy and is truly a home-grown treasure for the state.”