One might say Pomona College junior Stephen Michael Smith’s compassion is mobile.

Quarterback, scholar at a top college and budding entrepreneur, Smith has racked up more than his share of successes.

But less than three years ago he could barely leave the house as he struggled with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that affects millions of Americans, causing reoccurring thoughts and behaviors.

Since 2014, Smith has been working with a pair of college friends to come up with a mobile app he believes would have helped him during the worst of his struggles and will help others with OCD.

Called nOCD, the app records real-time biometric data, tracks what kind of episodes are happening, offers guided cognitive behavioral exercises, keeps users accountable to staying on track with their treatment, and allows doctors to log-in, access these reports and offer customized treatment for their patients.

The app was just launched in Apple’s App Store.

“What turned the key for me in the [OCD] struggle was my frustration due to the lack of help available. People shouldn’t have to work through a chronic condition of this magnitude alone,” says Smith.

Thanks to some good oldfashioned networking and coldcalling Smith and company got $80,000 in funding from private investors, a medical advisor, and leading health entrepreneur Glenn Tullman on the board. They also hired a software developer, and now, Smith reports, 85 doctors in five countries are in the process of implementing the app in their practice.

Smith, originally from Northbrook, Illinois, is a seasoned Division 3 college quarterback who is studying economics and Chinese. After coming to Pomona, he helped lead the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens to a 20-14 win over Lewis & Clark in his second game. A transfer from Trinity University, he threw 16 touchdown passes as a sophomore while at the Texas school.

Smith believes going through OCD treatment and conquering the disorder has enhanced his mental toughness in sports.

“As I went through treatment, one thing I always would tell myself is, ‘Wow, this is really going to make me a better quarterback, since no pressure will ever compare to this,” says Smith.

Submitted by Pomona College