Susan Smith

Susan Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Cognitive Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), affiliated with the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo, complemented by degrees in Biology, Philosophy, and Education from McMaster University and the University of Windsor. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on biomedical ethics, racial disparities in healthcare, and the philosophical underpinnings of race and genetics.

• Education: PhD Philosophy (UB), MA Philosophy (Guelph), Hons B.Sc Biology/Philosophy (McMaster), B.Ed (Windsor)

Her work addresses ethical challenges in genetic testing, algorithmic bias, and data privacy. She has taught at Mercyhurst University, Canisius College, and UB, emphasizing critical thinking in courses like Biomedical Ethics and Philosophy of Science. Dr. Smith received RPI's 2022 Teaching Excellence Award and served as Director of Social Science Interdisciplinary Programs at UB. She has advised on genomics initiatives through UB's GEM Community of Excellence.

Publications span topics from race theory to environmental toxicology, reflecting her dual expertise in philosophy and life sciences. She actively advocates for eliminating racial inequities in medical research and clinical practice.