Brief Biography of Prof. GÜNAY SMITH
Professor of Chemical and Biological Sciences
2024-2026 Advisory Board Member at The Light Millennium Global

GOVERNING BODY

[LMGlobal.Org] In 1970, after I graduated from Robert College School of Engineering, with a BSChE degree, I continued in the same department to graduate with a MSChE degree, but this time from Boğaziçi University in 1972.
In my first job, I worked as cost control engineer IGSAŞ Urea Plant construction in Turkey.

However, air and noise pollution in the petroleum refinery made me rethink my career pathway and I joined a TUBITAK Research Group led by Prof Orhan Ulutin at Cerrahpaşa Medical School of Istanbul University. My clinical research in thrombosis received the ECZACIBASI Scientific Encouragement Award in 1982 in Turkey. I completed my PhD in Biochemistry at Istanbul University Health Sciences Institute in 1984.

In 1986, I received Associate Professorship in Biochemistry from the Higher Education Institute of Turkey. I was the scientific Secretary in the chairman of Ulutin’s team that organized national and International Hematology Scientific Meetings for several years.

Continuing my research in biochemistry and hematology, I joined the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. I was a post-doctoral fellow for two years (1987-1989) in the Department of Biochemistry focused on lipid research.

My research in vascular biology and molecular biology became more focused on cardiovascular research at the Geisinger Clinic, Weiss Research Center in Danville, PA, where I published several papers between 1989 -1998 and worked as an Associate Scientist.
I was invited to Bilkent University Molecular Biology and Genetics Department as visiting professor for two years in Ankara Turkey.
Later I joined the Virginia Community College System in VA, where I taught chemistry, biology, and biotechnology between 2000 and 2019.
I was honored by the Daughters of Ataturk as a Woman of Distinction 2003 award, for my efforts in science and research.

I have two children and two grandchildren.
My social life had been basically my family, the American Turkish Association – North Carolina music group, and community college environmental club activities to raise awareness among my students. As a family, we enjoyed the quiet rural life in southern Virginia and Pennsylvania while raising our children.
I am retired now and spend my time between my home in Chicago, Istanbul, and London with my family and my relatives.
At this stage of my life my goal is to help to make the world a better, healthier and sustainable place to live.