Mia J Smith, dvm, phd
Principal investigator
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Immunology and Microbiology
Mia Smith graduated from the DVM/PhD combined program at Colorado State University. For her PhD she studied how autoreactive anergic B cells are silenced in healthy individuals but contribute to disease during development of T1D. In 2019 she started her own laboratory at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, where she continues her research into the role of B cells in development of autoimmunity and the mechanisms that allow activation of autoreactive B cells. Outside the lab she enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Current Members
Soojin Kim, PhD Lab manager
Soojin studied at Dr. Rick Morimoto’s laboratory at Northwestern University and earned her Ph.D.in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, studying the role of polyglutamine aggregates in disrupting normal cellular functions and subsequent development of neuropathology. Soojin joined Dr. Mia Smith’s laboratory at Barbara Davis Center in 2021. She helps run the daily aspects of the lab and works on several projects. She is currently working on introducing rs1893217 SNP mutation in PTPN2 genes in immortalized B cell lines to study the impact of such point mutations in B cell functions. When not in the lab, she struggles to read the book selected by her book club before the deadline, goes hiking, which is a challenge, and enjoys playing piano.
Cole Agnew, BS, Professional Research Assistant
Cole graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry.
He is currently a Research Assistant in the Smith Lab. His project focuses on Auto Immune Thyroid Disease, comparing the immune cell profiles of pediatric vs adult onset AITD patients. Outside the lab Cole enjoys reading, writing, rock climbing, and playing the ukulele.
Brandon Hilliard, BA Graduate Student, Immunology
Brandon graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Biochemistry. He is currently a graduate student in the Immunology Department and a member of the CU MSTP program. He has been a part of the Smith lab since July 2023. His research focuses on understanding B cell peripheral tolerance and how B cells contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes after escaping tolerance. Outside the lab, Brandon enjoys exploring the outdoors, climbing mountains, and practicing photography.
Jessica Prendergast, BS Graduate Student, Immunology
Jessica graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She is currently a graduate student in the Immunology program and has been a part of the Smith Lab since June 2024. Her work focuses on investigating the role of polyreactive B cells in type 1 diabetes using scRNA-sequencing. When she is not in lab, Jessica enjoys gardening, cycling, and painting.
“Mansoor” Mohammad Mansoor, BS, BA, Graduate Student, Immunology
Mansoor graduated cum laude with highest distinction and dual degrees in biochemistry and environmental studies from the University of Rochester. His interest in immunology was sparked at Yale University working with David Pitt on multiple sclerosis. At CU Anschutz, he is co-mentored by Elena Hsieh and Mia Smith working on pediatric lupus. He is a recipient of the Lupus Research Alliance Empowering Lupus Research Fellowship 2025 as well as Lupus Foundation of America Gina M Finzi Fellowship 2026.
Hadeel Khammash, MS Graduate Student, Immunology
Hadeel graduated from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus with a Master's in Immunology and Microbiology. She is a graduate student in the Immunology PhD program and joined the Smith lab in May 2025. Outside of the lab, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and reading.
AUDREY ROOD, BS, GRADUATE STUDENT, IMMUNOLOGY
Audrey graduated from Sorbonne Sciences in Paris, France, with an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in Immunology. She has been a graduate student in the Smith Lab since June 2026. Her work focuses on characterizing B cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes of patients with type 1 diabetes. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, backpacking, and running.
Anjelica Miranda, BS Graduate Student, Immunology
Anjelica graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She is currently a graduate student in the Immunology program and is co-mentored by Roberta Pelanda, PhD and Mia Smith, PhD. Her work focuses on the studying the molecular activity of the PI3K pathway in autoreactive B cells and how dysregulation of the PI3K pathway leads to the release of autoreactive B cells from the bone marrow of type 1 diabetes individuals. Outside the lab Anjelica enjoys crocheting, reading, and baking..
Past Members
Bridget Alexander, PhD Post doctoral Fellow July 2023 - April 2026
Maya Hunter, BS
Student research assistant February 2022-May 2025
MAdison Feaver, bs Professional Research Assistant(July 2024 - February 2025)
Catherine Nicholas, Ph.D - Graduate Student (2020 - 2024)
Kevin Toole, BS - Professional Research Assistant (2022 - 2024). Now attending CU Anschutz Medical School.
Spencer Evans, BS - Professional Research Assistant (2022 - 2024). Now attending New York Medical College.
Zachary Stensland, BA - Professional Research Assistant (2019 - 2022). Now attending graduate school at UCSF.
Shelby Kardel, BA - Student Research Assistant (2021 - 2022). Now a senior research associate at the Colorado School of Public Health.
We are actively seeking motivated individuals to join our team! Please feel free to contact us for more information (mia.smith@cuanschutz.edu)