Jessica M. Smith

Jessica M. Smith is a Professor in the Engineering, Design & Society Department at the Colorado School of Mines. She is also the Dean's Fellow for Earth and Society Programs and served as the inaugural director of the Humanitarian Engineering and Science graduate program.

• PhD in Anthropology with certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Michigan (2009)
• BA in Anthropology, International Studies, and Latin American Studies, Macalester College (2003)

Her research focuses on energy, blue-collar labor, corporate accountability, and engineering education reform. She explores post-coal transitions in Wyoming and Colorado, emphasizing ethical dimensions of carbon management and energy justice.

Smith’s recent publications and grants highlight her work on sociotechnical integration, artisanal mining sustainability, and engineering education equity. She has secured over $40 million in funding from entities like the Department of Energy and NSF.

• 2018 Western Social Science Association book prize
• Kavli Fellow (2022)
• Editor-in-Chief of Engineering Studies
• Co-convener of the STS Underground network

She mentors students through funded projects and teaches courses on corporate social responsibility, energy and society, and community-based research.