Emilie Smith

Emilie Smith is Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University's College of Social Science, where she serves as Inaugural Distinguished Senior Scholar and leads the MSU Youth Equity Project. Her research examines how families, schools, and communities interact to foster positive youth development, with special focus on racial-ethnic identity and socialization in diverse socioeconomic and geographic contexts.

Smith employs community-engaged randomized trials and multilevel methods to develop family and community approaches that reduce disparities. Her work spans developmental psychology, prevention science, and cross-cultural studies of resilience.

Analysis of her recent publications shows strong emphasis on: (1) racial-ethnic socialization processes in minority youth development, (2) implementation science in community programs, (3) culturally responsive interventions for underserved populations, and (4) systemic approaches to health and educational equity. This body of work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration across psychology, sociology, and public health.

Honors & Education

• Fellow, Society of Prevention Research
• Fellow, American Psychological Association Division 27
• PhD & MA in Ecological/Community Psychology, Michigan State University
• BA in Psychology and Afro American Studies, Smith College