Tags: alumni profile

In this seven-part series, we’re excited to highlight our 2025 Franklin alumni award winners—showcasing their accomplishments and providing some insights as we seek this year’s nominations. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards honor outstanding alumni across various categories. These individuals exemplify the Franklin Spark, the characteristics that unite the arts and sciences: ambition, curiosity, creativity, innovation and…
Jacinta Smith (BS Microbiology,`01, MS Medical Microbiology,`04) heard science calling from a young age. Now working for the CDC as well as the U.S. Public Health Service, she credits UGA in honing her interest in the sciences throughout her college years and into adulthood. “When I was in the 9th grade, I participated in a program at Fernbank Science Center called Scientific Tools and Techniques, which exposed me to many different fields of…