Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith is an Associate Professor at Ferris State University in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Department of English, Literature, and World Languages. She holds a PhD in English Studies from Illinois State University and specializes in Children's and Young Adult Literature. Her research examines representations in children's media, cross-cultural adaptations of educational programming, and horror elements in children's literature.

Dr. Smith's research interests focus on the educational and cultural impacts of children's literature and media. She investigates how literary representations shape scientific understanding, explores horror elements in children's stories, and analyzes cross-cultural adaptations of educational programming like Sesame Street.

Smith frequently presents at academic conferences including the Children's Literature Association and Michigan Academic Library Association. Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining literary analysis with education and media studies.