[2] Early on in his career, Smith was an aspiring jazz musician, majoring at Indiana University for his first three years in music, playing the trumpet.
During his time as president of the University of Nebraska, much negative attention was drawn to the educational institute's research on neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, AIDS, dementia, and multiple sclerosis).
The problem was grants from the National Institutes of Health were funding these studies and brain cells of fetal tissues taken from a local abortion clinic were being used.
[5] Smith received the 2002 Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility "for his steadfast commitment to academic freedom in the face of mounting social and political pressure",[6] and "for distinguished contributions to developmental biology and leadership and advocacy on education."
But Smith was also recognized by the AAAS for his work in science education and in defense of academic freedom while President at Nebraska University.