Dr. Myron Smith

Biography

Myron Smith is a Professor at Carleton University's Institute of Biochemistry. His research focuses on the beneficial and harmful impacts of fungi on human affairs, particularly in the context of essential decomposition, nutrient cycling, plant and animal symbionts, and industrial fermentation processes. Smith investigates the role of fungi as major plant and animal pathogens, their capacity to cause spoilage in food materials, and their involvement in human allergies. His work aims to develop control strategies that selectively inhibit target fungal species. Smith's laboratory operates in several areas of fungal research, including the characterization of genes involved in nonself recognition in fungi. This process is crucial for acquiring and maintaining resources, mating, and controlling the spread of invasive genetic elements. He also explores ethnobotanical approaches for identifying plants that produce bioactive compounds with antifungal properties. Smith is committed to broadening the search for antibiotics derived from natural sources and is particularly interested in the mechanisms of antimicrobial action. His research includes the development of high-resolution genetic markers for population genetics applications and molecular ecology studies.

Research Interests

Experience