Dr. Smith's program of research examines health improvement among community-dwelling adults, older adults, and families in the face of chronic diseases including cancer and the need for palliative care. The importance of individual self-management of chronic health among vulnerable populations in Oklahoma and humanity at large is immeasurable. Her expertise is in medical-surgical nursing and in sharing self-care information with vulnerable community-dwelling older adults. Dr. Smith's research focuses on older adults with attention to the cultural influences of lifestyle, the meaning of health, and what it means to participate in and take control of one's health management. Further, she is instrumental in the development of lay volunteers to enhance skillful support for self-management through motivational health coaching techniques. She is committed to support initiatives for discovery of knowledge and dissemination of results through publication, presentation, and nursing education.