Elizabeth “Liz” Smith, Ph.D., C'2018, earned her bachelor's degree in environmental science from Spelman College. There, she deepened her focus on environmental justice, winning first place at both Spelman’s Research Day and the GA-AL Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Symposium for her senior thesis: Assessment of Environmental Justice in an Urban Area: A Case Study of Transition in Land Use and Flood Risk in Metropolitan Atlanta. During her undergraduate years, Liz also dedicated her time to environmental volunteer work through organizations such as the Spelman College Environmental Task Force and Trees Atlanta.
Her academic journey continued at the University of Delaware as a College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Unique Strength and National Science Foundation Research Fellow. Her doctoral research used machine learning and high performance computing to analyze large-scale environmental datasets. Her work generated actionable insights into soil nitrogen dynamics and respiration trends across regional and global scales, contributions to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.
Beyond research, Dr. Smith has built a dynamic career in science outreach and policy. As a Grassroots Science Policy Intern with the American Geophysical Union, she facilitated connections between scientists and legislators, designed data-driven advocacy campaigns, and helped coordinate science policy workshops and Congressional visits.
Dr. Smith is especially passionate about increasing access to STEM opportunities for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With firsthand experience navigating the transition from the Atlanta University Center (AUC) to a major research institution, she is committed to supporting HBCU students in preparing for STEM graduate programs and careers in data science. Her dedication to community engagement extends to her work with youth-based organizations such as Real Impact Center, Inc., Club SciKidz and Four Youth Productions, where she has designed and led science programming for students and families.
In joining the faculty at Spelman College Dr. Smith will continue to blend rigorous scientific research with a deep commitment to environmental justice and education, working toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
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