And now, the University of Otago marine science professor's life-long commitment to advancing the role of women in science has won her a prestigious national award - the 2019 Miriam Dell Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring.
It was presented by the Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS) for her work which encourages diversity and inclusiveness.
Over the course of her 27 years in the Marine Science Department, she has mentored more than 50 postgraduate students and has been involved in the university's formal mentoring and academic leadership development programmes.
She has also developed Family Friendly Workplace guidelines, led peer mentoring initiatives, and supported the appointment of women to committees and council roles of scientific societies.
''I believe very strongly that everybody deserves a chance to follow their dreams,'' Prof Smith said.
''Too often, people are judged by what they are, instead of what they can do.
''As an educator and a scientist, it's my job to encourage, enable and include people who want to learn and grow.
''And, of course, when I do, I also learn and grow.''
The Miriam Dell Award was introduced in 2013 and is awarded every two years, to someone who demonstrates outstanding mentoring efforts to retain females in science, mathematics or technology.
Previous recipients are Judith O'Brien, of the University of Auckland (2013), Dr Roslyn Kemp, of the University of Otago (2015), and Prof Vivien Kirk, of the University of Auckland (2017).
