Spencer G. Smith

Spencer G. Smith joined the Department of Biology as a lecturer in 2025. He has held numerous positions in secondary and post-secondary education, including as an adjunct and a visiting lecturer in the department.

Education

• M.S., Biology, Georgia College & State University
• B.S., Biology, Mercer University

Professional Interests

Smith’s expertise is in the molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity and memory formation, specifically involving the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. He is interested in a variety of pedagogical techniques including technology integration and research-based instruction.

Recent Publications

• Smith, S.G., Haynes, K.A., and Hegde, A.N. (2020). “Degradation of transcriptional repressor ATF4 during long-term synaptic plasticity.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21(22):8543.
• Hegde, A.N., Smith, S.G., Duke, L., Pourquoi, A., and Vaz, S. (2019). “Perturbations of ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated proteolysis in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 11:324.
• Hegde, A.N. and Smith, S.G. (2019). “Recent developments in transcriptional and translational regulation underlying long-term synaptic plasticity and memory.” Learning and Memory. 26:307–317.
• Smith, S.G. and Northcutt, K.V. (2018). “Perinatal hypothyroidism increases play behaviors in juvenile rats.” Hormones and Behavior. 98:1–7.

Contact Spencer G. Smith

(478) 301-2361
smith_sg@mercer.edu
Office: Godsey Science Center, Room 323