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Professor David P Smith FRSB, NTF, PFHEA

Professor of Bioscience Education / Head of Research - School of Bioscience and Chemistry

Summary

I am a professor of bioscience education at Sheffield Hallam University and serve as the Head of Research in the School of Bioscience and Chemistry. I was awarded the National Teaching Fellow in 2017, and in 2019, I received the Royal Society of Biology's Higher Education Educator of the Year award for my innovative teaching practices. My approach focuses on enhancing student engagement through generative AI and technology-enhanced learning methods in both classroom and laboratory settings. My biological research interests lie in protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry, where I investigate the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease and cancer spheroid models.

David Smith

About

I am a National Teaching Fellow and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, currently serving as Head of Research in the Department of Bioscience and Chemistry. My career has been shaped by a passion for both bioscience research and educational innovation, with a focus on empowering students and advancing scientific inquiry.

In bioscience research, I explore the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and cancer spheroid models, specialising in protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry. My work investigates the role of alpha-synuclein amyloid aggregates and stress granule formation in Parkinson's disease using Drosophila melanogaster models, small molecule modulators (e.g. ISRB), and cutting-edge proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging technologies. I collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to study 3D cell culture systems and their application in understanding neurodegeneration and cancer.

In the realm of education, I have been recognised for my innovative teaching practices, receiving the Royal Society of Biology HE Educator of the Year award in 2019 and the Sheffield Hallam University Inspirational Teaching Award for the past ten consecutive years. I focus on developing and sharing effective teaching methods both within my institution and across the wider sector. My leadership includes contributions to learning, teaching, and assessment groups, where I design technology-enhanced learning approaches to engage students in classrooms and laboratories.

A key area of my educational research is the integration of Generative AI to foster digital skill development, student interaction, and cognitive engagement. I actively investigate how technology can support reflective learning and critical thinking, helping students balance AI tools with deeper learning practices. My pedagogical publications explore student engagement, interaction, and the evolving role of technology-enhanced learning methods in higher education. I have delivered talks on these topics at international conferences.

Through my dual focus on research and education, I aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge bioscience and innovative teaching, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel as the next generation of bioscientists.

Specialist areas of interest

Biochemistry / Biotechnology
Ion Mobility Spectrometry - Mass Spectrometry
Protein Chemistry
Amyloid formation
Teaching Innovations

Teaching

School of Biosciences and Chemistry

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

David teaches core biochemistry and the molecular biosciences and is currently course leader for MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Subject area

I teach core biochemistry and the molecular biosciences across the School of Bioscience and Chemistry. In addition, I lead the skills development module for our Level 7 Masters program.

Courses taught

  • BSc Biochemistry
  • BSc Biology
  • BSc Human Biology
  • BSc Biomedical Science
  • MSc Analytical Science
  • MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis
  • MSc Biotechnology and Pharmacology
  • MSc Cancer Biology
  • MSc Microbiology
  • MSc Biomedical science

Modules taught

  • L7 Advanced Laboratory and Research Practice
  • L7 Molecular Biotechnology
  • L6 Applied Biochemistry
  • L6 Advanced Analytical Chemistry

Research

 My research emphasises student interaction and engagement across classroom, laboratory, and digital environments. I also conduct biomolecule research that integrates protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry to achieve a molecular understanding of diseases.

Pedagogical Research

I have developed various teaching and learning strategies and have led several college and university-funded teaching projects. These projects focus on the effective use of both physical and digital learning environments, research-enriched learning, addressing the attainment, and integrating digital technologies into practical teaching. Key themes in my work have included enhancing student engagement in lecture theatres (Smith et al., 2018), exploring the impact of group dynamics on student achievement in laboratories (Lacey et al., 2020), utilising simulations in laboratory settings (Bassindale et al., 2021), and understanding the role of video in enhancing engagement (Lacey et al., 2024). The outcomes of these projects have led to changes in teaching practices and improved student interactions. I regularly blog to a global audience to share my practices and teaching innovations, and my articles have been recognised and included as reference texts in PGCert courses at multiple institutions.

Emending Generative AI as a digital literacy in teaching.

Assessment in education is transforming thanks to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), which is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives. In this context, I explore how GenAI can be utilised and integrated into bioscience education inside and outside the classroom. The pedagogical approaches I've developed have been successfully implemented through process-oriented design strategies in assessment practices. This has enhanced ethical understanding and emphasised teaching GenAI as an essential form of digital literacy.

Biomolecular Research

My research career is centred on investigating and understanding the assembly and biological effects of amyloid aggregates in various disease contexts. A key aspect of my work involves studying amyloid assemblies' structural and biological properties. I initially focused on the structural biology of dialysis-related amyloidosis before delving into the role of amyloid oligomers in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, utilising cell biology approaches. My group is current working on applications related to Parkinson's disease, focusing on the role of alpha-synuclein amyloid aggregates and stress granule formation. Recently, I have also examined the formation and biological characterisation of amyloid microclots associated with long-term COVID-19.

I have developed various applications and model systems, including ion-mobility mass spectrometry, to characterise the structure of amyloid aggregates and create three-dimensional cell culture models to investigate their biological effects on neuronal cell lines. My background in protein assembly has significantly contributed to several publications focused on understanding the kinetics of amyloid assembly through spectroscopy.

With a solid structural and cellular biology foundation and a focus on amyloid assembly, I have successfully transferred my technical skills to various collaborative projects. I work closely with academics at Sheffield Hallam University on interdisciplinary research initiatives, including mass spectrometry imaging of 3D cell cultures, biomarker discovery, and proteomics. The workflows I have developed through these projects for quantitative imaging studies have gained recognition and have been adopted by international pharmaceutical organisations.

Emending Generative AI as a digital literacy in BSc and MSc teaching.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education has brought about a transformation in the assessment process. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are being used to explore the potential of AI in bioscience education, both in the classroom and beyond. By evaluating the capabilities of AI models, we can adapt our assessment strategies and improve learning outcomes.

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.

Pedagogical Research

David has developed teaching and learning and led on a range of college and University funded teaching projects. These projects include the effective use of physical and digital learning spaces; research enriched learning; addressing the BME attainment gap and embedding digital technologies into practical delivery. Themes have involved student engagement in the lecture theatre (Smith DP et al 2018), the effect of group dynamics on attainment within the laboratory (Lacey MM et al 2020) the use of simulations in the laboratory (Bassindale et al 2021) and video for engagement (Smith & Francis 2022). The output of these projects has led to changes in teaching practices and student interaction with the 2018 paper having an Altermetric score of 209 putting it in the top 5% of research outputs. To disseminate his practice and teaching innovations he regularly blogs to an international readership over 1000 per month. His articles have been adopted as reference texts on PGCert courses at several institutions.

Publications

Journal articles

Smith, D., Sokoya, D., Moore, S., Okonkwo, C., Boyd, C., Lacey, M., & Francis, N. (2025). Embedding Generative AI as a digital capability into a year-long skills program. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice. http://doi.org/10.53761/fh6q4v89

Francis, N.J., Jones, S., & Smith, D. (2025). Generative AI in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Integrity. British Journal of Biomedical Science, 81. http://doi.org/10.3389/bjbs.2024.14048

Owyong, T.C., Shippey, L.E., Ding, S., Owen, D.S., Zhang, S., White, J.M., ... Hong, Y. (2024). Development of NIAD-4 derivatives for fluorescence-based detection of protein aggregates †. Sensors & Diagnostics. http://doi.org/10.1039/d4sd00182f

Takita, S., Nabok, A., Mussa, M., Kitchen, M., Lishchuk, A., & Smith, D. (2024). Ultrasensitive prostate cancer marker PCA3 detection with impedimetric biosensor based on specific label-free aptamers. Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, 18. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosx.2024.100462

Pearce, S., Cross, N.A., Smith, D.P., Clench, M., Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., ... Cole, L. (2024). Multimodal Mass Spectrometry Imaging of an Osteosarcoma Multicellular Tumour Spheroid Model to Investigate Drug-Induced Response. Metabolites, 14 (6). http://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14060315

Lacey, M., Francis, N.J., & Smith, D.P. (2024). Redefining online biology education: a study on interactive branched video utilisation and student learning experiences. FEBS Open Bio. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.13767

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2023). Teaching and assessment of the future today: higher education and AI. Microbiology Australia. http://doi.org/10.1071/ma23036

Smith, D., & Hubbard, K. (2023). A beginner’s guide to evidencing your teaching practice. The Biochemist, 45 (2), 6-10. http://doi.org/10.1042/bio_2023_110

Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., Mussa, M., & Smith, D. (2023). Enhanced performance electrochemical biosensor for detection of prostate cancer biomarker PCA3 using specific aptamer. Eng Journal, 4 (1), 367-379. http://doi.org/10.3390/eng4010022

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

Stafford, P., Henri, D., Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). Reshaping education. Part 1: Practical Thinking in a Pandemic. The Biologist, 67 (5), 24-29. https://thebiologist.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

Giannella, L. (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., Tournus, M., Marchante, R., Purton, T., Smith, D., Tuite, M., ... 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

Duce, J.A., Smith, D.P., Blake, R.E., Crouch, P.J., Li, Q.-.X., Masters, C.L., & Trounce, I.A. (2006). Linker histone H1 binds to disease associated amyloid-like fibrils. Journal of molecular biology, 361 (3), 493-505. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2006.06.038

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., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2023). #DryLabsRealScience: Redefining Practical Pedagogy Post-Pandemic. Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Conference Cscl, 2219-2222.

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/HEAd22.2022.14416

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

Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2024). Process not product in the written assessment. In Using Generative AI Effectively in Higher Education. (pp. 115-126). Routledge: http://doi.org/10.4324/9781003482918-17

Smith, D.P., Ashcroft, A.E., & Radford, S.E. (2010). Hemodialysis‐Related Amyloidosis. (pp. 347-379). Wiley: http://doi.org/10.1002/9780470572702.ch16

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

Smith, D., Francis, N., & Henri, D. (2025). AI: Actual Intelligence – how embedded GenAI can promote the aims of higher education. https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/ai-actual-intelligence-how-embedded-genai-can-promote-aims-higher-education

Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Using Generative Artificial Intelligence - A Student Guide. http://doi.org/10.25416/ntr.24259597

Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Guidelines on Using AI in Academic Assessments. http://doi.org/10.25416/ntr.24259600

Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Generative AI in assessment. http://doi.org/10.25416/ntr.24121182

Smith, D. (2023). AI 101 – a short guide to good prompts. https://davethesmith.wordpress.com/2023/07/04/ai-101-a-short-guide-to-good-prompts/

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

(2025). Meeting Abstract. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.13954

Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2024). Process over product: Incorporating AI into assessment. Presented at: Biochemistry Society Webinar, Online

Beckingham, S., & Smith, D. (2023). Effective Pedagogies for a Digital Landscape [Keynote]. Presented at: SHU LTA Conference 2023, Sheffield

Smith, D. (2023). Generative AI in Chemistry. Presented at: RSC Chemistry Outreach Lecture

Smith, D. (2023). Surviving and thriving as a dyslexic in academia.

Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Bioscience Education – using these tools for effective learning. Presented at: SYMPOSIUM ON PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION IN BIOSCIENCES, Aveiro, Portugal

Smith, D. (2023). Embedding Generative AI in bioscience education. Presented at: Invited Seminar

Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Education. Presented at: Slovenia Biochemical Society - meeting, Slovenia

Smith, D. (2023). AI in assessment. Presented at: COFSE Remote Forensic CSI symposium, Forensic CSI

Smith, D. (2023). Assessment styles and approaches (and what a happens now? (Invited Speaker).

Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Education (Invited Speaker).

Smith, D. (2023). How has artificial intelligence answered the UnGoogleable exam question and what happens next? (Keynote). Presented at: FEBS Education Ambassadors, Vilnius University Lithuania

Smith, D. (2023). How AI has solved the UnGoogleable Question.

Smith, D. (2023). Beyond the Chat: Understanding the Impact of ChatGPT in Higher Education (Keynote).

Smith, D. (2023). How AI has solved the UnGoogleable Question (Keynote). Presented at: #DryLabsRealScience

Smith, D. (2023). Pedagogy and Practice when Teaching and Learning Online (invited speaker).

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., & Francis, N. (2022). Perfecting Practical Pandemic Pedagogy. Presented at: International Federation of National Teaching Fellows, Online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Peer group interactions with a blended  learning space, how students are using social  media to answer assessment questions. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2022). Online video content with embed active learning  enhances students’ learning experience. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

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

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Visibility and accessibility of science research in post-16 and higher education Biosciences and Chemistry students and the impact on career aspirations. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference SHU, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Perceptions of science research: visibility and accessibility of science research as a career in post-16 Biosciences and Chemistry students. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online

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).

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How to make exam questions ungoogleable. Presented at: Microbiology teachers symposium, online

Smith, D. (2021). Practical Tips for Engaging Education.(Keynote). Presented at: HUBS new to teaching workshop

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2020). How Students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Biosummit 2020, online

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

Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Campbell, S. (2018). How peer / friendship groups form, and their effect on engagement and attainment. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Sheffield Hallam University

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2018). Lecture theatre: where people sit and why. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Sheffield Hallam University

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

Other activities

Chair of the Biochemical Society Education and Outreach Group.

The Biochemist: Editor Education Section Biochemistry Society publication

Bioscience Educators Network: David leads the BEN, which is supported by the Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) and provides a UK-wide support network for bioscience educators from all career stages as a forum in which to discuss career progression, fellowship opportunities and pedagogical research.

Postgraduate supervision

Molecular Bioscience / Amyloid Formation

  • Stress granule formation and the links to Parkinson’s disease
  • Cellular response to amyloid oligomers within a Parkinson's disease model

Mass Spectrometry Imaging

  • Mass spectrometry imaging of a refractory osteosarcoma model, to inform drug development.
  • Biopharmaceutical quantification by mass spectrometry imaging

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.

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