Tracy Smith
Associate Teaching Professor
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences 466
Education
Ph D University of Maryland Baltimore County 2014
M.Ed. Wesley College 2002
BS Washington College 2000
+1 410 455 3384
About
I lead the DOGS Lab (Diversity, Origins, and Genomic Studies of dogs), a small research group dedicated to exploring the genetic diversity, evolutionary origins, and the genetic basis of traits and diseases in dogs. Our work integrates advanced genomic technologies with evolutionary and conservation genetics principles to address questions related to the biology, history, and long-term sustainability of canine populations, with a special focus on Arctic breeds.
Research Interests
The Evolution of Dogs and the Impact of Artificial Breed Barriers
My research explores the fascinating evolutionary history of dogs, tracing their journey from their origins to their complex relationships with humans today. Dogs are thought to have descended from a now-extinct wolf ancestor in Eurasia, but the precise timing, location, and circumstances of this domestication event remain subjects of intense scientific inquiry. Advances in DNA technology, particularly in ancient DNA analysis, are providing unprecedented insights into this history, offering a deeper understanding of how dogs transitioned from wild predators to human companions. These discoveries are reshaping our knowledge of dog domestication, revealing the intricate interplay between genetics, environment, and human influence in shaping their evolution.
Beyond their evolutionary history, my work also examines the modern genetic challenges facing dogs, with a particular focus on how small, closed gene pools and artificial breed barriers impact genetic health and disease susceptibility. While domestication and selective breeding have created remarkable diversity among dog breeds, these same processes have also introduced significant genetic constraints, leading to reduced genetic diversity, inbreeding depression, and breed-specific disorders. Ultimately, my work aims to bridge evolutionary genomics and veterinary medicine, providing scientifically informed strategies to improve genetic health in Arctic dogs while advancing our broader understanding of the genetic underpinnings of genetic disorders. Collaboration with breeders, veterinarians, and geneticists will be essential in translating these findings into practical applications for long-term breed sustainability.
Genetic Factors Contributing to Epilepsy in Arctic Dogs
I am interested in understanding the genetic basis of epilepsy in Arctic dog breeds. Canine epilepsy is a complex, multifactorial disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By applying population genomics approaches, my goal is to identify epilepsy-associated genetic variants and assess their functional significance.
Arctic dogs present a unique genetic model for studying epilepsy due to their highly structured populations, distinct ancestry, and limited historical admixture. Analyzing these breeds provides valuable insights into breed-specific risk factors while also enhancing our broader understanding of epilepsy susceptibility across species.
How to Contribute to This Research
Owners of Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Alaskan Malamutes, and Greenland/Canadian Eskimo Dogs can support this research by submitting either of the following:
1️⃣ Raw DNA Data from Embark-Tested Dogs
If your dog has been tested through Embark, you can contribute by sharing the raw genotype data files. Please fill out this consent form and submit samples here: https://forms.gle/2Kuhqci6HWK67kUB6
2️⃣ DNA Cheek Swabs for Genetic Analysis
For dogs that have not been genotyped, cheek swab samples of Arctic dogs formally diagnosed with Epilepsy can also be submitted. Please contact me for instructions at tsmith6@umbc.edu.
Your contributions are invaluable in advancing scientific understanding of epilepsy in Arctic dogs, with the potential to inform genetic screening, disease prevention strategies, and breed health management.
For more information on sample submission and data sharing, please feel free to reach out.
Teaching Interests
I’m passionate about teaching topics such as Evolution, Population Genetics, Conservation Genetics, Transmission Genetics, and Ecology. I’m also deeply interested in how students learn and strive to incorporate best teaching practices to create engaging, effective, and meaningful learning experiences. My goal is to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of science in my students.
Selected Classes
- Fall 2024 BIOL 466 – Population & Conservation Gen
- BIOL 666 – Populat.Conserv.Genetics
- Spring 2024 BIOL 141 – Foundations of Biology
- Fall 2023 BIOL 499 – Undergrad. Lab/Field Rsch
- BIOL 300L – Experimental Biology Lab
- Spring 2023 BIOL 466 – Population & Conservation Gen
- BIOL 666 – Populat.Conserv.Genetics
- Spring 2022 BIOL 466 – Population & Conservation Gen
- BIOL 123 – Human Genetics
- Fall 2021 BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biol: Eco/Evo
- BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biol: Eco/Evo
- Summer 2021 BIOL 466 – Population & Conservation Gen
- Spring 2020 BIOL 123 – Human Genetics
- Fall 2019 BIOL 302 – Molecular & General Genetics
- Fall 2018 BIOL 302 – Molecular & General Genetics
- Spring 2018 BIOL 666 – Population and Conservation Genetics
- BIOL 300L – BIOL300L Experimental Biology Laboratory
- BIOL 466 – BIOL 466/666 Population and Conservation Genetics
- Spring 2017 BIOL 300L – Experimental Biology Laboratory
- Fall 2015 BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution
- Spring 2015 BIOL 142 – Foundations of Biology: Ecology and Evolution
- BIOL 300L – Experimental Biology Laboratory
Intellectual Contributions
Smith, Tracy, Srikanth, Krishnamoorthy, Huson, Heather Jay. (2024). Comparative population genomics of Arctic sled dogs reveals a deep and complex history. 9. 16 Genome Biology and Evolution.
Smith, Tracy A., Martin, Michael, Nguyen, Michael, Mendelson, Tamra. (2016). Epigenetic Divergence as a Potential First Step in Darter Speciation. 25. 1883–1894 Molecular Ecology.
Smith, Tracy A., Ciccotto, Patrick J., Mendelson, Tamra C., Page, Larry M. (2014). Dense Taxon Sampling Using AFLPs Leads to Greater Accuracy in Phylogeny Estimation and Classification of Darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae). 2. 2014 257-268 Copeia.
Smith, Tracy A., Mendelson, Tamra C., Page, Larry M. (2011). AFLPs support deep relationships in darters consistent with morphological hypotheses.. 6. 107 579–588 Heredity.