Angela  D. R.  Smith

Angela D. R. Smith

Assistant Professor


Biography

Angela D. R. Smith’s research is in the field of human-computer interaction, computer supported cooperative work, and information sciences. Her current research studies how to more equitably design sociotechnical interventions to support the information work of homeless young adults residing within homeless shelter networks. Angela employs community-based participatory research and participatory design methods to construct knowledge and design interventions with her populations. This interdisciplinary work draws on a wide variety of work including information poverty, strength-based and asset-based approaches, as well as critical race theory and intersectionality.

Prior to receiving her Ph.D. in Technology & Social Behavior from Northwestern University, Angela has worked as an IT Consultant, Cybersecurity Analyst, as well as a UX Researcher for Airbnb and several startups.

Degrees

Ph.D. in Technology & Social Behavior - Northwestern University (2021)
M.S. in Information Assurance - Eastern Michigan University (2012)
B.A. in Screen Arts & Cultures - University of Michigan (2009)

Areas Of Specialization

Marginalized Populations
Critical Race Theory
Community-Based Participatory Design
Qualitative Research
Human-Computer Interaction

Recent Courses

YearSemesterCourse NumberCourseSyllabusNotes
2025SpringI 310JIntroduction to Social Justice Informatics
2024FallI 320STopics in Social Informatics: Design for Social Impact Design for Social Impact
2024FallI 320JTopics in Social Justice Informatics: Design For Social Impact Design for Social Impact
2024SpringI 310JIntroduction to Social Justice Informatics
2023FallI 320STopics in Social Informatics: Design for Social Impact
2023FallI 320JTopics in Social Justice Informatics: Design For Social Impact Design For Social Impact
2023SpringI 310JIntroduction to Social Justice Informatics
2022SpringI 310JIntroduction to Social Justice Informatics
2021FallINF 385TSpecial Topics in Information Science Participatory Design and Research for Special Populations