Christopher M. Smith, PhD, MSN, RN, GCQM

Christopher (Chris) M. Smith, PhD, MSN, RN, GCQM is an Assistant Professor at Charlotte’s College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing. He is a first-generation college student who earned a PhD in Nursing Science from East Carolina University (ECU). During Dr. Smith’s doctoral studies, he earned a post-master’s certificate in Quantitative Methods for Social and Behavioral Sciences through ECU’s department of psychology, where he cultivated his overlapping interest in psychological wellness and latent variables.

Dr. Smith’s methodological interests are primarily quantitative, multivariate, based in the regression tradition, and include psychometrics, structural equation modeling, latent variable modeling, linear mixed models, hierarchical models, and mediation/moderation/conditional processes. He also appreciates mixed methods and has experience with qualitative methodology including interpretive description and phenomenology as well as systematic review methods.

Dr. Smith is passionate about interdisciplinary approaches to research and enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration. His research has been funded twice by Sigma Theta Tau supported awards and his work disseminated via publication and conference presentation. Dr. Smith is also passionate about introducing students to research, philosophy, and epistemology, and dedicated to fostering students’ appreciation for science. He wishes that his enthusiasm for systematic inquiry will inspire students to consider pursuing scientist roles and implement evidence-based practice in their professional nursing roles.

In his spare time, Dr. Smith enjoys scientific writing and studying logic, philosophy (including Hellenistic varieties, Humeanism, skepticism, and causal determinism), Hatha yoga, nondual contemplative meditative philosophies (Hindu: Advaita Vedanta and Buddhist: Vipassana, Zen, and Dzogchen sādhanās, respectively), psychonautics, spirituality, and the evolution of human consciousness.

AREAS of research

Primary: Cardiometabolic health from a mind-heart-body connection and symptomology framework, with a specific emphasis on hypertension, blood pressure regulation, and the long-term impact of childhood abuse and trauma on cardiometabolic outcomes. Dr. Smith is interested in non-pharmacological strategies for disease prevention and in maintaining and restoring cardiometabolic function. This includes addressing key pillars of metabolic health, such as psychological wellness and stress management, sleep hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity. Interventions of interest include mindfulness and contemplative meditative practices, yoga, pre-sleep optimization, low-insulinogenic nutritional models, and increased physical activity. Dr. Smith is also passionate about patient-centered care and improving health literacy and communication between patients and providers, particularly for populations facing barriers to healthcare access.

Secondary: Men’s experiences and involvement in professional nursing including classroom and learning, academic faculty, and clinical workforce environments for men in nursing; men’s unique needs and contributions to nursing; stereotypes and prejudices toward men related to social and role expectations; challenging stigmas associated with being a male nurse.

Education

PhD, 2022, East Carolina University

Post-Master Certificate – Quantitative Methods for Social & Behavioral Science, 2021, East Carolina University

MSN, 2018, Appalachian State University

BSN, 2016, Appalachian State University

ADN, 2001, Wayne Community College

External Affiliations

American Heart Association

Southern Nurses Research Society

National Center for Science Education

Psychedelic Health Professionals Network

Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses

Journal of Nursing Measurement, Peer Reviewer

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Peer Reviewer

Research in Nursing & Health, Peer Reviewer

International Journal of Nursing Practice, Peer Reviewer

2024 Appalachian State University Trillium Society Emerging Leader in Science Award Recipient