Allegra Smith

Allegra Smith is an Assistant Professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) at Georgia Tech. Her research focuses on technical and professional communication, emphasizing how identity intersects with technology use, particularly addressing equity and accessibility for marginalized groups. She holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from Purdue University and previously taught at Jacksonville State University, where she received the Campus Technology Award for innovative pedagogy.

Education:

• PhD, Rhetoric and Composition, Purdue University
• MA, Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing, Michigan State University
• BA, Professional Writing and Women's & Gender Studies, Michigan State University

Research Interests: Dr. Smith examines aging and technology through digital rhetoric, feminist methodologies, and disability studies. Her work critiques design practices to ensure inclusive experiences for older adults and advocates for justice-centered pedagogy in technical communication. She has published in Technical Communication, SIGDOC, and Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice.

Teaching & Grants:

• Recipient of Georgia Tech's Class of 1940 Teaching Award (2025)
• Developed a digital studio course award-winning for its industry collaboration model
• Secured grants from the Ivan Allen College and Alabama Commission on Higher Education

Awards:

• 2025: CIOS Award for LMC 3813 (Content Strategy)
• 2024: CIOS Award for LMC 3206 (Communication & Culture)
• 2022: Hugh Burns Best Dissertation Award

Labs & Initiatives: Leads projects on UX design for older adults and collaborates with industry partners to bridge classroom and workplace technical communication practices. Her courses include Content Strategy and Communication & Culture.