Kerianne Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Data Science and Sociology with a minor in the Department of Genetics in the School of Medicine. She is a scholar who studies RNA biology with an emphasis on molecular interactions. Smith also founded the multinational Society for Scientific Advancement, which supports geographically diverse, underserved, or underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I study fragments of human and animal genomes (the DNA sequences in cells) that are poorly understood. This research would not be possible without bioinformatics, the application of IT to biological data such as DNA sequences. As scientific research becomes more interdisciplinary, the distinctions between traditional disciplinary silos are blurring. I am, in fact, a researcher by training. In the kinds of experiments I was doing 10 years ago, the data sets were not that big. Today we have big data, and we routinely discuss how to organize and store data so that it can be effectively analyzed. These aspects that we didn’t give much thought to 5 years ago are now part of our everyday conversations.
How did you get into the IT industry and where are you now?
I’m really interested in why biological processes happen. I really want to know what drives them. Understanding these questions is becoming more and more possible with a granular approach. Data became more accessible and easier to generate, so I went from bench techniques like pipetting to learning computer know-how. With the pandemic, I decided, “I’m going to go back to school and retrain myself to be able to handle big data analytics and get certified for that.” I never imagined I would continue going to school, but it was more efficient to do so. That way I would have the skills to do the day-to-day analyses myself and to mentor bioinformatics students. So it’s a combination of three things: the direction of the field, my desire to be more independent, and the timing of the pandemic that got me to where I am today.
What excites you about the future of your field?
I am excited by the increased capabilities and capacity that technological advances have provided or are providing. We can now rapidly address research challenges with incredible speed and efficiency. I believe the current record for sequencing an entire human genome is about 5 hours. Additionally, generative AI alone is having an incredible impact on research and general operational performance. Goals that were considered a pipe dream not long ago now seem within reach.
Has your gender been a factor in your career trajectory, path or choices? In what way?
I think so, even if it’s unconscious, even if we’ve become more immune or have a thicker shell. I’ve realized how important it is for me as a woman, and especially as a Black woman, to be aware of when there is an imbalance in the spaces I’m moving into, and to ask myself, “Why is this happening? How can I contribute to reducing this imbalance?”
If I think my involvement can help change something, I work in that direction, even if it makes me uncomfortable. I usually approach things with intention, and I think this sensibility has influenced my career, whether intentionally or not.
Learn more about Keriayn Smith and other Carolina women in IT who ITS is honoring in celebration of Women’s History Month.
