Microbiology Research
WasteWater Epidemiology
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Smyth and her colleagues in New York City and Missouri have been identifying and analyzing SARS-CoV-2 sequences from wastewater treatment plants across the greater NYC area.
covid code: sars-cov-2 in the built environment
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented challenges to public and private institutions to safely reopen public spaces, including workspaces and schools, Dr. Smyth is working on a project aimed at gaining a better understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 spreads in the built environment.
Staphylococcal Genomics and Adaptation
Dr. Smyth is currently working on the genomics of the Staphylococci to reveal aspects of how they adapt to a variety of different hosts and environments. She’s particularly interested in the microbiology of the built environment and the types of Staphylococci found therein.
Role of mobile DNA in Staphylococcal evolution
Dr. Smyth studies mobile DNA such as pathogenicity islands and ICE elements and their contribution to the evolution of the bacteria.
Metagenomics of Environmental Bacteria
Dr. Smyth is currently involved in several metagenomics projects with undergraduate researchers, looking at the microbiome of our campus. This work is conducted as part of a classroom-based undergraduate research experience.