Anastasia Smith, DrPH, MPH, has been promoted to assistant professor as a researcher and resident research educator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery.
Smith joined the Department of Neurosurgery Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery in 2011 as a graduate research assistant and has served as a clinical research manager since 2024.
In her new roles, Smith will maintain an active independent research portfolio and be responsible for the day-to-day facilitation of resident research education. She will ensure that all UAB Department of Neurosurgery residents receive high-quality training in clinical, translational and basic science research.
Her research oversight, mentorship and advocacy have consistently elevated the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery to an exceptional presence amongst national clinical research networks, such as the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) and the CDC's National Spina Bifida Patient Registry. Beyond her expert regulatory work, her leadership has guided more than two dozen students and neurosurgery residents in presenting their research at the international level.
Smith was honored as a recipient of the Dean’s Excellence Awards for Staff in 2024 for her dedication to the Department of Neurosurgery and impact across the institution.
During her time with the Department of Neurosurgery, Smith has been a key contributor to research and advocacy work related to the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), like spina bifida, through folic acid fortification.