Byline: Daniela Molina

Graduating from Indiana University is not the only good news Paul Smith has received during this pandemic.

Smith is not only one of the 2019 Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program participants, but just got accepted to the Indiana University’s School of Medicine — Evansville campus for the fall of 2020.

As one of the LSAMP program participants, Smith got the opportunity to receive support from IU’s research mentoring faculty, academic support for research, and an opportunity for academic success.

The post-graduate human biology major from Indianapolis had always dreamed of going to medical school. In 8th grade, Smith knew he enjoyed biology a lot, it was one of his favorite classes.

Taking a course at The McKenzie Institute and working at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Smith has expanded his knowledge in internal medicine.

Smith was able to work in the internal medicine branch looking at how to deal with diseases in adult patients. His particular interest focused on multiple diseases and the prevention and diagnosis of those diseases mainly directed to adults.

The passion for internal medicine first began in high school but transferred all the way to college where his interest peaked in understanding viral gastroenteritis’s effect on humans.

Smith’s research proposal for LSAMP connected him with Professor John Patton. Dr. Patton is the Blatt Chair of the Virology lab on campus.

“I didn’t know how much work it was,” Smith mentions when having to extract RNA and DNA from the virus to evaluate. “I would like to do more research on genetic components.”

For Smith, it wasn’t always easy conducting research but he understood that he had supportive lab members to help with his research.

The recent graduate will be headed to IU School of Medicine in the fall where he plans to aim for the top of his class and pave his way into internal medicine.

Smith recommends students to get involved in research, especially applying to the LSAMP program.

“It’s a great component to get your feet wet,” Smith said.

The 2019 LSAMP scholar is one of many students at the university to earn this opportunity, to learn more about the program visit: https://inlsamp.org/iub/