Ohio State honors Bryon Smith for contributions to brain injury research community

Bryon Smith, a research associate and lab manager at The Ohio State University, has been recognized with the Julie Award through Ohio State’s Center for Brain Injury Research and Discovery (CBIRD), honoring his contributions to supporting research efforts across multiple labs.

“We are proud to award Bryon Smith (Dr. Kirby’s Lab) the 2026 Julie Award. Bryon exemplifies what an outstanding staff contribution looks like within CBIRD. He is making key contributions to the research enterprise at The Ohio State University, and it is important for us to recognize his efforts,” said Jonathan Godbout, Ph.D., faculty director of the Center for Brain Injury Recovery & Discovery. 

The award, named for longtime CBIRD administrator Julie Pissocra, recognizes individuals whose work is essential to the success of the center but often happens behind the scenes. CBIRD, the Center for Brain Injury Research and Discovery, brings together researchers from across disciplines to advance understanding and treatment of brain injury. 

For Liz Kirby, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and a CBIRD faculty member, Smith’s impact has been evident since the early days of her lab. 

“He’s been my lab manager since 2016, when my lab first opened, and he has absolutely been the glue that has held everything together,” Kirby said. “But what really stands out is that he contributes far beyond our lab. He’s someone many people rely on.”

In his role, Smith coordinates lab operations, helps implement research protocols and manages shared resources that support multiple teams. His work extends across labs connected through CBIRD, where collaboration is central to advancing brain injury research. 

“Across the floor, he’s the person people go to,” Kirby said. “He helps with protocols, contributes to different projects and works with vendors when needed. He’s doing all of this not just for our lab, but for many of the labs around us.” 

While faculty and students are often recognized through publications, grants and awards, the Julie Award highlights those whose day-to-day efforts help sustain the research environment. 

That description reflects Smith’s approach. His work is defined by consistency and a focus on ensuring that researchers and students have what they need to carry out their work. 

“It’s really surprising,” he said. “I’m very appreciative. Seeing everyone come together and show that appreciation — that means a lot to me.” 

Within CBIRD, that kind of contribution plays an important role in maintaining a collaborative research environment. By working across labs and helping coordinate day-to-day operations, Smith enables teams to stay focused on their work and continue advancing research. 

“There’s so much that goes into making research successful beyond what people typically see,” she said. “Bryon represents the very best of that — someone who consistently goes above and beyond for the people around him.”