Dr David P Smith NTF, BSc, PhD, SFHEA
Reader in Biochemistry / Course Leader MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology and National Teaching Fellow
Summary
David is a National Teaching Fellow, teaching Molecular Bioscience and Biochemistry. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has received the Sheffield Hallam Vice Chancellor's Award for Inspirational Teaching. David has been research active in the field of biosciences for over 20 years focusing on the molecular basis of neurodegeneration in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
About
David is a National Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has been awarded the Sheffield Hallam Vice Chancellor's Award for Inspirational Teaching. His research interests bring together protein chemistry, cell culture and mass spectrometry to investigate the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease. This research is applied directly to his teaching giving context and authenticity, an approach that has been recognised through the nomination of the University Inspirational Teaching Award to the maximum of three times and college award seven times.
David is passionate about disseminating and enhancing teaching practises. He has worked directly with bioscientists and other academics across multiple institutions on teaching enhancements and delivers invited workshops and conference presentations on student engagement. He has developed the pedagogical theory of object-based learning through the use of 3D-printed biological molecules, producing digital tool kits to disseminate this practice. He has also integrated various forms of technology enhanced learning into the practice of the department from the use of Padlet for student support, collaborative learning tools to facilitate interaction and lecture flipping technologies.
Specialist areas of interest
Biochemistry / Biotechnology
Ion Mobility Spectrometry - Mass Spectrometry
Protein Chemistry
Amyloid formation
Teaching Innovations
Teaching
David teaches core biochemistry and the molecular biosciences and is currently course leader for MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Research
David's research is focussed on understanding the structure and function of amyloid oligomers thought to be responsible for cell death in Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD)
PD occurs in 0.17% of the general population affecting ~1 to 2 per cent of those over 80 years old. Although rare heritable forms of PD have been documented, the sporadic form is far more common and this is possibly connected to environmental factors. The molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD are mostly unknown and the lack of preventative treatments for PD is undoubtedly a result of our limited understanding of the underlying aetiology. A critical step is the formation of metal rich Lewy bodies, in which alpha-synuclein in the form of amyloid-like aggregates has been identified as a major component. Soluble alpha-synuclein oligomers populated during amyloid assembly have been implicated as the causative agent in PD. David's group is developing novel 3D cell culture systems to investigate the molecular basis of the Lewy body formation brought about by exposure to metals and these oligomers.
Ion mobility mass spectrometry of non-covalent complexes
Detailed knowledge of the tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins and protein complexes is of immense importance in understanding their functionality. To investigate this, David carries out research using electrospray ionisation - ion mobility spectrometry - mass spectrometry (ESI-IMS-MS). This is an analytical technique used to characterise the conformational states of monomeric proteins and large non-covalent complexes such as amyloid oligomers. ESI-IMS-MS is used to assess the size (molecular weight) and shape distribution (CCS) of the oligomers and any covalent modification to the protein. By comparison with models, estimates of the degree of compactness and general shape adopted by the oligomers is possible. Through this work the structural and conformation of differing forms of alpha-synuclein oligomers as well as the effect of phosphorylation and metal binding is being addressed. The results gained raise the possibility of intervention via small molecule inhibition, as differences between toxic and non-toxic oligomeric forms are identified.
Publications
Journal articles
Lacey, M.M., Shaw, H., Abbott, N., Dalton, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2022). How students’ inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Education Sciences, 12 (12). http://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120885
Shippey, L.E., Campbell, S.G., Hill, A.F., & Smith, D.P. (2022). Propagation of Parkinson's disease by extracellular vesicle production and secretion. Biochemical Society Transactions. http://doi.org/10.1042/bst20220204
Sanami, S., Purton, T.J., Smith, D.P., Tuite, M.F., & Xue, W.-.F. (2022). Comparative analysis of the relative fragmentation stabilities of polymorphic alpha-synuclein amyloid fibrils. Biomolecules, 12 (5). http://doi.org/10.3390/biom12050630
Smith, D.P., & Francis, N.J. (2022). Engagement with video content in the blended classroom. Essays in Biochemistry. http://doi.org/10.1042/ebc20210055
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., & Smith, D. (2021). Optimization of Apta-Sensing Platform for Detection of Prostate Cancer Marker PCA3. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (23), e12701. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312701
Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., Ready, J.D., Ling, S., Duckett, C.J., Cross, N.A., ... Clench, M.R. (2021). Comparison of Osteosarcoma Aggregated Tumour Models with Human Tissue by Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Imaging. Metabolites, 11 (8). http://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11080506
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Smith, D., & Lishchuk, A. (2021). Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Detection of Prostate Cancer Bio-Marker PCA3 Using Specific Non-Labeled Aptamer: Comparison with Electrochemical Detection. Chemistry Proceedings, 5 (1), 65. http://doi.org/10.3390/csac2021-10453
Bassindale, T., LeSuer, R., & Smith, D. (2021). Perceptions of a program approach to virtual laboratory provision for analytical and bioanalytical sciences. The Journal of Forensic Science Education, 3 (1). https://jfse-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/jfse/index.php/jfse/article/view/46
Nabok, A., Abu-Ali, H., Takita, S., & Smith, D.P. (2021). Electrochemical Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarker PCA3 Using Specific RNA-Based Aptamer Labelled with Ferrocene. Chemosensors, 9 (4). http://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9040059
Spencer, C.E., Flint, L.E., Duckett, C., Cole, L., Cross, N., Smith, D., & Clench, M. (2021). Role of MALDI-MSI in combination with 3D tissue models for early stage efficacy and safety testing of drugs and toxicants. Expert Review of Proteomics, 17 (11-12), 827-841. http://doi.org/10.1080/14789450.2021.1876568
Stollar, E.J., & Smith, D.P. (2020). Uncovering protein structure. Essays Biochem, 64 (4), 649-680. http://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20190042
Stafford, P., Henri, D., Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). Practical thinking in a pandemic. The Biologist. https://www.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/reshaping-education-practical-thinking-in-a-pandemic
Stafford, P., Henri, D., Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). Practical thinking in a pandemic. The Biologist. https://www.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/reshaping-education-practical-thinking-in-a-pandemic
Beal, D.M., Tournus, M., Marchante, R., Purton, T., Smith, D., Tuite, M.F., ... Xue, W.-.F. (2020). The division of amyloid fibrils – Systematic comparison of fibril fragmentation stability by linking theory with experiments. iScience, 101512. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2020.101512
Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., Ready, J.D., Ling, S., Duckett, C.J., Cross, N.A., ... Clench, M.R. (2020). Characterization of an Aggregated Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Model by Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Imaging. Analytical Chemistry. http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02389
Lacey, M.M., Campbell, S.G., Shaw, H., & Smith, D. (2020). Self-selecting peer groups formed within the laboratory environment have a lasting effect on individual student attainment and working practices. FEBS Open Bio. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.12902
Lewis, F.W., Fairooz, S., Elson, J.L., Hubscher-Bruder, V., Brandel, J., Soundararajan, M., ... Pienaar, I.S. (2020). Novel 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one metal chelators prevent and rescue ubiquitin proteasomal-related neuronal injury in an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease. Archives of Toxicology, 94 (3), 813-831. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-020-02672-y
(2019). A day in the life of a Higher Education lecturer. The Biochemist, 41 (6), 46-47. http://doi.org/10.1042/bio04106046
Palubeckaitė, I., Crooks, L., Smith, D., Cole, L., Bram, H., Le Maitre, C., ... Cross, N.A. (2019). Mass spectrometry imaging of endogenous metabolites in response to doxorubicin in a novel 3D osteosarcoma cell culture model. Journal of Mass Spectrometry. http://doi.org/10.1002/jms.4461
Taylor-Whiteley, T.R., Le Maitre, C.L., Duce, J.A., Dalton, C.F., & Smith, D.P. (2019). Recapitulating Parkinson's disease pathology in a three-dimensional human neural cell culture model. Disease Models & Mechanisms, 12 (4). http://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.038042
Hogeling, S.M., Cox, M., Bradshaw, R., Smith, D., & Duckett, C.J. (2019). Quantification of proteins in whole blood, plasma and DBS, with element-labelled antibody detection by ICP-MS. Analytical biochemistry, 575, 10-16. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ab.2019.03.006
Beal, D.M., Tournus, M., Marchante, R., Purton, T., Smith, D.P., Tuite, M.F., ... Xue, W.-.F. (2018). The division of amyloid fibrils – Systematic comparison of fibril fragmentation stability by linking theory with experiments. . http://doi.org/10.1101/506386
Smith, D. (2018). Evidencing your lifelong learning with e-Portfolio. Biochemist, 40 (5), 22-24. https://portlandpress.com/biochemist/article/40/5/22/307/Evidencing-your-lifelong-learning-with-e-Portfolio
Smith, D., Hoare, A., & Lacey, M. (2018). Who goes where? The importance of peer groups on attainment and the student use of the lecture theatre teaching space. FEBS Open Bio, 8 (9), 1368-1378. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.12494
Duce, J., Wong, B., Durham, H., Devedjian, J.-.C., Smith, D., & Devos, D. (2017). Post translational changes to α-synuclein control iron and dopamine trafficking; a concept for neuron vulnerability in Parkinson's disease. Molecular neurodegeneration, 12 (45), 1-12. http://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-017-0186-8
Mason, R., Paskins, A., Dalton, C., & Smith, D. (2016). Copper Binding and Subsequent Aggregation of α-Synuclein Are Modulated by N-Terminal Acetylation and Ablated by the H50Q Missense Mutation. Biochemistry, 55 (34), 4737-4741. http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00708
Smith, D.P. (2016). Active learning in the lecture theatre using 3D printed objects. F1000Research, 5 (61), 1-18. http://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.7632.2
Harvey, A., Day, R., Cole, L.M., Bartlett, M., Warwick, J., Bojar, R., ... Clench, M.R. (2016). MALDI-MSI for the analysis of a 3D tissue-engineered psoriatic skin model. Proteomics, 16 (11-12), 1718-1725. http://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.201600036
Leonenko, Z., Smith, R.A.S., Nabok, A., Blakeman, B.J.F., Xue, W.-.F., Abell, B., & Smith, D.P. (2015). Analysis of toxic amyloid fibril interactions at natively derived membranes by ellipsometry. PLOS ONE, 10 (7), e0132309. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0132309
Greggio, E., Leong, S.L., Hinds, M.G., Connor, A.R., Smith, D., Illes-Toth, E., ... Cappai, R. (2015). The N-Terminal residues 43 to 60 form the interface for dopamine mediated α-synuclein dimerisation. PLoS ONE, 10 (2), e0116497. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0116497
Illes-toth, E., Ramos, M., Cappai, R., Dalton, C., & Smith, D. (2015). Distinct higher-order alpha-synuclein oligomers induce intracellular aggretation. Biochemical Journal, 468 (3), 485-493. http://doi.org/10.1042/BJ20150159
Illes-Toth, E., Dalton, C.F., & Smith, D. (2013). Binding of Dopamine to Alpha-Synuclein is Mediated by Specific Conformational States. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 24 (9), 1346-1354. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13361-013-0676-z
Illes-Toth, E., & Smith, D. (2013). Conformations and Assembly of Amyloid Oligomers by Electrospray Ionisation - Ion Mobility Spectrometry - Mass Spectrometry. Current Analytical Chemistry, 9 (2), 165-180. http://doi.org/10.2174/157341113805218992
Cole, L.M., Mahmoud, K., Haywood-Small, S., Tozer, G.M., Smith, D.P., & Clench, M.R. (2013). Recombinant "IMS TAG" proteins - A new method for validating bottom-up matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation ion mobility separation mass spectrometry imaging. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 27 (21), 2355-2362. http://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.6693
Kriechbaumer, V., Nabok, A., Widdowson, R., Smith, D., & Abell, B. (2012). Quantification of ligand binding to g-protein coupled receptors on cell membranes by ellipsometry. PLoS ONE, 7 (9), e46221.
Kriechbaumer, V., Nabok, A., Mustafa, M., Al-Ammar, R., Tsargorodskaya, A., Smith, D., & Abell, B. (2012). Analysis of protein interactions at native chloroplast membranes by ellipsometry. PLoS ONE, 7 (3), e34455. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0034455
Smith, D., Woods, L.A., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2011). Structure and dynamics of oligomeric intermediates in β2-microglobulin self-assembly. Biophysical Journal, 101 (5), 1238-1247. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2011.07.023
Kriechbaumer, V., Tsargorodskaya, A., Mustafa, M., Vinogradova, T., Lacey, J., Smith, D., ... Nabok, A. (2011). Study of receptor-chaperone interactions using the optical technique of spectroscopic ellipsometry. Biophysical Journal, 101 (2), 504-511. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2011.06.011
Smith, D.P., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2010). Elongated oligomers in β2-microglobulin amyloid assembly revealed by ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107 (15), 6794-6798. http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0913046107
Ladner, C.L., Chen, M., Smith, D., Platt, G.W., Radford, S.E., & Langen, R. (2010). Stacked sets of parallel, in register beta-strands of beta-2-microglobulin in amyloid fibrils revealed by site-directed spin labelling and chemical labelling. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285 (22), 17137-17147. http://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.117234
Knapman, T., Smith, D., Campuzano, I., Malham, R., Berryman, J., Radford, S., & Ashcroft, A. (2009). Deciphering drift time measurements from travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry studies. European Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 15 (5), 113. http://doi.org/10.1255/ejms.947
Smith, D.P., Anderson, J., Plante, J., Ashcroft, A.E., Radford, S.E., Wilson, A.J., & Parker, M.J. (2008). Trifluoromethyldiazirine : an effective photo-induced cross-linking probe for exploring amyloid formation. Chemical Communications, (44), 5728. http://doi.org/10.1039/B813504E
Barnham, K.J., Kenche, V.B., Ciccotosto, G.D., Smith, D.P., Tew, D.J., Liu, X., ... Cappai, R. (2008). Platinum-based inhibitors of amyloid-beta as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105 (19), 6813-6818. http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0800712105
Giannakis, E., Pacifico, J., Smith, D.P., Hung, L.W., Masters, C.L., Cappai, R., ... Barnham, K.J. (2008). Dimeric structures of α-synuclein bind preferentially to lipid membranes. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes, 1778 (4), 1112-1119. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.01.012
Smith, D.P., Tew, D.J., Hill, A.F., Bottomley, S.P., Masters, C.L., Barnham, K.J., & Cappai, R. (2008). Formation of a high affinity lipid-binding intermediate during the early aggregation phase of α-synuclein. Biochemistry, 47 (5), 1425-1434. http://doi.org/10.1021/bi701522m
Tew, D.J., Bottomley, S.P., Smith, D.P., Ciccotosto, G.D., Babon, J., Hinds, M.G., ... Barnham, K.J. (2008). Stabilization of neurotoxic soluble beta-sheet-rich conformations of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta peptide. Biophysical journal, 94 (7), 2752-2766. http://doi.org/10.1529/biophysj.107.119909
Smith, D.P., Giles, K., Bateman, R.H., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2007). Monitoring copopulated conformational states during protein folding events using electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry. Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 18 (12), 2180-2190. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasms.2007.09.017
Fodero-Tavoletti, M.T., Smith, D.P., McLean, C.A., Adlard, P.A., Barnham, K.J., Foster, L.E., ... Villemagne, V.L. (2007). In vitro characterization of Pittsburgh compound-B binding to Lewy bodies. The Journal of Neuroscience, 27 (39), 10365-10371. http://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0630-07.2007
Smith, D.P., Ciccotosto, G.D., Tew, D.J., Fodero-Tavoletti, M.T., Johanssen, T., Masters, C.L., ... Cappai, R. (2007). Concentration dependent Cu2+ induced aggregation and dityrosine formation of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid-beta peptide. Biochemistry, 46 (10), 2881-2891. http://doi.org/10.1021/bi0620961
Smith, D.P., Smith, D.G., Curtain, C.C., Boas, J.F., Pilbrow, J.R., Ciccotosto, G.D., ... Barnham, K.J. (2006). Copper-mediated amyloid-beta toxicity is associated with an intermolecular histidine bridge. The Journal of biological chemistry, 281 (22), 15145-15154. http://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m600417200
Cappai, R., Leck, S.-.L., Tew, D.J., Williamson, N.A., Smith, D.P., Galatis, D., ... Hill, A.F. (2005). Dopamine promotes alpha-synuclein aggregation into SDS-resistant soluble oligomers via a distinct folding pathway. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 19 (10), 1377-1379. http://doi.org/10.1096/fj.04-3437fje
Jones, S., Smith, D.P., & Radford, S.E. (2003). Role of the N and C-terminal strands of beta 2-microglobulin in amyloid formation at neutral pH. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (5), 935-941. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00688-0
Kad, N.M., Myers, S.L., Smith, D.P., Smith, D.A., Radford, S.E., & Thomson, N.H. (2003). Hierarchical assembly of beta2-microglobulin amyloid in vitro revealed by atomic force microscopy. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (4), 785-797. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00583-7
Smith, D.P., Jones, S., Serpell, L.C., Sunde, M., & Radford, S.E. (2003). A systematic investigation into the effect of protein destabilisation on beta 2-microglobulin amyloid formation. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (5), 943-954. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00687-9
Trinh, C.H., Smith, D.P., Kalverda, A.P., Phillips, S.E.V., & Radford, S.E. (2002). Crystal structure of monomeric human beta-2-microglobulin reveals clues to its amyloidogenic properties. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 99 (15), 9771-9776. http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.152337399
Kad, N.M., Thomson, N.H., Smith, D.P., Smith, D.A., & Radford, S.E. (2001). Beta(2)-microglobulin and its deamidated variant, N17D form amyloid fibrils with a range of morphologies in vitro. Journal of molecular biology, 313 (3), 559-571. http://doi.org/10.1006/jmbi.2001.5071
Smith, D.P., & Radford, S.E. (2001). Role of the single disulphide bond of beta(2)-microglobulin in amyloidosis in vitro. Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society, 10 (9), 1775-1784. http://doi.org/10.1110/ps.4901
Smith, D.P. (n.d.). Bringing experiential learning into the lecture theatre using 3D printed objects. F1000Research, 5, 61. http://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.7632.1
Conference papers
Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., & Turner, I.J. (2022). Practical approaches to delivering pandemic impacted laboratory teaching. In Domenech, J. (Ed.) Eighth International Conference on Higher Education Advances, 14 June 2022 - 17 June 2022 (pp. 521-529). Valencia, Spain: Editorial Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia: http://doi.org/10.4995/head22.2022.15652
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., Mussa, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarker PCA3 with Electrochemical Apta-Sensor. MDPI Engineering Proceedings, 16 (1). http://doi.org/10.3390/IECB2022-12257
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Smith, D., & Lishchuk, A. (2021). Comparison of The Performances of Two RNA-Based Geno-Sensing Principles for The Detection of lncPCA3 Biomarker. In Piro, B. (Ed.) CSAC2021: 1st International Electronic Conference on Chemical Sensors and Analytical Chemistry session Biosensors, Basel, Switzerland, 1 July 2021 - 15 July 2021. Sciforum-MDPI: https://sciforum.net/paper/view/10453
Paskins, A.R., Dalton, C.F., Duckett, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2016). INVESTIGATING METAL BINDING AND THE RESULTING CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES AND AGGREGATION OF MONOMERIC WILD-TYPE ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN AND A PHOSPHORYLATION MIMIC. JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM, 36, 594-595.
Book chapters
Giannakis, E., Hung, L.-.W., Camacaro, K.P., Smith, D., Barnham, K., & Wade, J.D. (2008). Analysis of Aβ interactions using ProteinChip Technology. In Otvos, L. (Ed.) Peptide-based drug design. (pp. 71-86). Humana Press: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-419-3_5
Reports
Barber, M. (2021). Gravity assist: propelling higher education towards a brighter future. https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/gravity-assist-propelling-higher-education-towards-a-brighter-future/
Smith, D., Woodroofe, N., Little, L., Slay, O., Handforth, R., Beckingham, S., ... Ludwig, F. (2019). Research Informed Teaching a Post Graduate perspective. Sheffield Hallam University.
Theses / Dissertations
Flint, L.E. (2021). Imaging Three-Dimensional Cell-Culture Models for Pre-Clinical Biopharmaceutical Testing. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clench, M., Cross, N., Cole, L., & Smith, D. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00406
Taylor-Whiteley, T.R. (2020). Recapitulating Parkinson’s diseasepathology in a three-dimensional neuralcell culture model. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00321
Mason, R. (2018). Conformational changes and the self-assembly of alpha-synuclein. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00151
Paskins, A.R. (2017). Aggregation and conformation of alpha-synuclein: effects of ligand binding and phosphomimetics. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00071
Smith, R.A.-.S. (2015). Detection of protein interactions at cellular membranes using total internal reflection ellipsometry. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Abell, B., & Smith, D.
Illes-Toth, T.E. (2013). Linking the structure of alpha-synuclein oligmers to function in Parkinson's disease. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D., & Dalton, C.
Internet Publications
Sevens, T., Smith, D., Watkins, N., & Foulkes, D. (2021). The use of simulated learning to enhance and increase diagnostic radiography placement experience.
Smith, D. (2021). How to Write an UnGoogleable Exam Question - Part 2. https://wordpress.com/post/davethesmith.wordpress.com/1659
Smith, D. (2021). How to Write an UnGoogleable Exam Question – Part 1.
Cramman, H., Burnham, J.A.J., Campbell, C.D., Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., Spagnoli, D., ... Turner, I.J. (2021). COVID as a catalyst: Uncovering misaligned power dynamics and the importance of new Professional Learning Networks for Higher Education science laboratory teaching. http://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/tjphr
Cramman, H., Burnham, J.A.J., Campbell, C.D., Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., Spagnoli, D., ... Turner, I.J. (2021). COVID as a catalyst: Uncovering misaligned power dynamics and the importance of new Professional Learning Networks for Higher Education science laboratory teaching. http://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/tjphr
Francis, N., Turner, I., & Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience – together stronger. https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/drylabsrealscience-together-stronger
Francis, N., Turner, I., & Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience – together stronger. https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/drylabsrealscience-together-stronger
Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). #DryLabsRealScience: Teaching practicals without labs. https://www.labnews.co.uk/article/2030973/drylabsrealscience-teaching-practicals-without-labs
Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). #DryLabsRealScience: Teaching practicals without labs. https://www.labnews.co.uk/article/2030973/drylabsrealscience-teaching-practicals-without-labs
Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). It’s a brave new (educational) world. Advance HE. https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/its-brave-new-educational-world
Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). It’s a brave new (educational) world. Advance HE. https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/its-brave-new-educational-world
Smith, D. (2020). 10 lessons I learned about online learning by running an online conference. https://thebiochemistblog.com/2020/09/28/10-lessons-i-learned-about-online-learning-by-running-an-online-conference/
Smith, D. (2020). Rapid Feedback Generator. https://wordpress.com/page/davethesmith.wordpress.com/1487
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority. https://blog.rsb.org.uk/engaging-the-silent-majority/
Smith, D. (2019). Multiple choice questions for higher order thinking and active learning. https://wordpress.com/pages/davethesmith.wordpress.com
Smith, D. (2019). What do postgraduate students think about Research-Informed Teaching? https://davethesmith.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/what-do-postgraduate-students-think-about-research-informed-teaching/
Smith, D. (2017). Thesis Tips and Tricks. https://davethesmith.wordpress.com/thesis-tips/
Smith, D. (2017). Object Based Learning. https://wordpress.com/page/davethesmith.wordpress.com/332
Presentations
Smith, D. (2022). Surviving and Thriving as a Dyslexic in Academia. Presented at: Dyslexia Scotland Network, Online
Smith, D. (2022). Online assessment and approaches. Presented at: Biosummit, Cardiff
Smith, D. (2022). Online assessment styles and approaches (Keynote). Presented at: RSB Accreditation Conference 2022, London
Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience a collaborative network addressing the virtual delivery of the practical experience, lessons learned and COVID keepers(Invited Speaker). Presented at: Laboratory Animal Science Associate Annual Conference
Smith, D. (2021). Authentic and Innovative Assessment in STEM(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2021). Practical Thinking during COVID 19(Keynote / Internation). Presented at: Practical Engineering Education 21, University of Sheffield
Smith, D. (2021). Cross-disciplinary perceptions of research-informed teaching. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference
Smith, D. (2021). Interacting with your students in the physical and virtual spaces.(Keynote). Presented at: Biochemical Society Educational Meeting
Smith, D. (2021). Engaging in the Physical and Virtual Worlds(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2021). Practical Tips for Engaging Education.(Keynote). Presented at: HUBS new to teaching workshop
Smith, D. (2020). The duel role of the academic(Keynote speaker / Internation). Presented at: AdvancedHE Webinar
Smith, D. (2020). Capstone Masters projects(Invited speaker). Presented at: Swansea University inter University webinar, Swansea University
Smith, D. (2020). Object-based learning to engage and enthuse.(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2020). Engaging the Silent Majority(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority(Keynote). Presented at: Bioscience summit, Kingston University
Smith, D. (2019). Who Goes Where(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority. Presented at: HUBS Annual General meetings
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging With TEL(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Peer / Friendship groups and the effect on attainment. Presented at: Advance HE STEM Conference, Newcastle Centre For Life
Smith, D. (2019). Aligning research and teaching? Presented at: Royal Society of Biology Early Careers Lectures Workshop, Edinburgh Napier
Smith, D. (2018). The importance of friendship groups in learning. Presented at: Horizon STEM, University of Hull
Smith, D. (2018). Object-based learning to engage and enthuse. Presented at: HEA STEM
Smith, D. (2017). Who goes where - the importance of friendship groups in learning. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Gothenburg
Smith, D. (2016). Enquiry Driven Research Is Not Just for Final Years. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Brighton
Smith, D. (2015). Bringing experiential learning into the lecture theatre through the use of 3D models. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Prague
Smith, D. (2012). Ion-Mobility-Spectrometry Mass-Spectrometry for Undergraduates. Presented at: American Society of Mass Spectrometry Annual Meeting
Postgraduate supervision
Previous supervision:
Teresa Whiteley - Recapitulating Parkinson's disease pathology in a 3D neural cell culture model
Becky Mason - Investigating the dynamics and assembly of alpha-synuclein amyloid oligomers by electrospray ionisation-ion mobility-mass spectrometry
Aimee Paskins - Metal homeostasis, phosphorylation and the effect on the aggregation of α-synuclein
Media
David is particularly interested in how proteins, the molecular machines within the brain, change their shape and come together, creating neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Current research interests are centred on linking the structure of complexes to their toxic of function.