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

Christopher (Chris) M. Smith, PhD, MSN, RN, GCQM is an Assistant Professor, tenure track, in the College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing. He is a first-generation college student who earned a PhD from East Carolina University. During Dr. Smith’s doctoral studies, he earned a post-master’s certificate in Quantitative Methods for Social and Behavioral Sciences through East Carolina University’s Department of Psychology, where he cultivated interests in psychometrics and latent variable modeling. Most recently, Dr. Smith received the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Appalachian State University Beaver College of Health Sciences.

Detailed information about Dr. Smith’s research lab and faculty roles are available by clicking here.

AREAS of research

Dr. Smith’s research program operates at the intersection of systemic neuroimmunometabolism and psychoneuroimmunology in cardiometabolic health in rural and underserved populations. His work is aimed at discovering the specific metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms that drive cardiovascular outcomes. His Human Cardiometabolic Dynamics Lab employs a biobehavioral and broad omics approach (emphasizing metabolomics and lipidomics) to map the pathways through which behavioral and environmental stressors manifest as cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Education

PhD, 2022, East Carolina University

Post-Master Certificate, 2021, East Carolina University

MSN, 2018, Appalachian State University

BSN, 2016, Appalachian State University

ADN, 2001, Wayne Community College

External Affiliations

American Heart Association

Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association

American Diabetes Society

National Center for Science Education

Psychedelic Health Professionals Network

Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Early Career Editorial Board