معرفی
Laura Smith serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Macalester College. She teaches core courses including Regional Geography of the US and Canada, Metro Analysis, Statistical Research Methods, Urban GIS, and Transportation Geography Seminar, consistently integrating community-based projects into her curriculum.
Research Interests:
Dr. Smith specializes in urban economic processes and spatial analysis across North America. Her work examines transportation infrastructure impacts, mortgage foreclosure patterns in metropolitan areas, and complex issues of American Indian land ownership in Minnesota. She employs GIS and statistical methodologies to investigate spatial inequality, community resilience, and gentrification dynamics, with particular emphasis on Twin Cities urban systems.
Community Engagement:
Since 2004, she has directed over 20 student-led community projects including Mapping East Phillips (2024), Hayden Heights Public Library analysis (2024), St. Paul 3K childcare access mapping (2018-2019), and foundational work on Indian Land Tenure in Minnesota (2010). These initiatives address critical issues from spatial mismatch to neighborhood stabilization through applied geographic research.
Awards:
- Association of American Geographers’ Enhancing Diversity Award: Recognized for decade-long leadership in expanding indigenous participation in geography through sustained partnerships, visionary initiatives, and transformative work within the AAG and academic communities.
