Research Scholar for Women, Peace, and Security
- PhD, George Mason University, School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- MA, Arizona State University
- BA, Arizona State University
Dr. Smith leads the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) portfolio at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, where she oversees the Women Waging Peace Network and the Women PeaceMakers Program. As the Institute’s Research Scholar for WPS, she brings nearly 15 years of experience working at the intersection of gender, peace and security. Prior to joining the University of San Diego, Dr. Smith served as Research Director at Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS), where she led an interdisciplinary research team working to inform inclusive approaches to contemporary policy challenges.
Dr. Smith is dedicated to elevating the voices and perspectives of women on the frontlines of conflict and crisis. She has worked with governments, multilateral organizations, and women peacebuilders from more than 20 countries, including Colombia, Japan, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Philippines, and Jordan.
Trained in mixed-methods research, including narrative analysis and participatory approaches, her previous research has focused on women’s experiences of agency in conflict-affected contexts, specifically how the principles of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda become meaningful to local actors. Her current work examines how emerging technology can be leveraged to advance inclusive approaches to peace and security and accelerate progress on gender equality.