Staci Smith

Staci Smith is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Media and Communication at the University of Mississippi. She holds a Master of Arts (2016) and a Ph.D. (2020) in Communications from Purdue University. Her research focuses on crisis communication, marginalized populations, and the societal impact of social media. Specializing in vulnerable groups such as adolescents and crisis-affected communities, her work examines topics like political polarization, health technology adoption, and privacy concerns in public health contexts.

Smith’s research methodologies emphasize mixed approaches, including surveys and participatory projects. She has explored themes such as contact-tracing app acceptance, CO2 storage stakeholder engagement, and the psychological effects of terrorism on online communities. Her recent studies highlight the dual-edged role of social media in shaping public opinion during crises, with a particular focus on how political divisions influence pandemic preparedness.

Her academic contributions span over two decades, with early work in food science (e.g., fatty acid modification in beef products) transitioning into contemporary communication challenges. She currently teaches at the University of Mississippi and maintains an active presence in health policy discussions through her research on digital advocacy and policymaking.