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Dr. Mark Smeltzer
2017
Fellows Program
Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Director, Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses,
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Dr. Smeltzer’s research focuses on infections caused by the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus with a particular emphasis on those infections involving bone and indwelling orthopaedic devices. He also serves as the Program Director of a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), which promotes the careers of new investigators and builds the infectious disease research capacity at UAMS and within central Arkansas.
Summary
Executive Summary
Column
Despite a close relationship spanning decades, Dr. Mark Smeltzer has not developed fond feelings for his professional protagonist, Staphylococcus aureus. “I am of the personal belief that bacteria do not care about you,” said Dr. Smeltzer. “They just don’t want to die.” Learn more about Dr. Smeltzer’s war against an infection that claims tens-of-thousands of Americans every year.
Bone of Contention
Video
Dr. Mark Smeltzer, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and a member of the ARA Academy of Scholars and Fellows. He has dedicated his research and professional career to dueling with a microscopic killer that causes the death of nearly 20,000 Americans every year, and he believes he can exploit this “not wanting to die” to a therapeutic advantage in this battle.
November 2021 ARA Project Scope
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