Mylissia Smith has over 15 years of experience in public health, biosafety, and infectious disease research. She currently serves as the Occupational Health and Safety Manager for Kansas State University's College of Agriculture, where she leads health and safety efforts across multiple research sites. Previously, she was the Biosafety Manager for KSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, overseeing biosafety compliance and training for over 50 laboratories. She also taught graduate-level courses in mycology/bacteriology and public health. Her research experience includes diagnostic testing for diseases like rabies, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and chronic wasting disease.