Dr. Sarah Smith is an interdisciplinary scientist with a focus on applied research, whose work is primarily centered around sustainable fisheries governance, fishing communities, climate impacts on marine uses, and marine spatial planning. Prior to returning to Marine Affairs in 2025, she was a Research Associate with the URI Coastal Resources Center’s international program, working with partners on the ground to implement fisheries and marine conservation sustainable development projects in the Philippines, Pacific Islands, Madagascar, and elsewhere. Previously, she worked extensively in the NGO sector, primarily as a Senior Social Scientist with Environmental Defense Fund promoting sustainable fisheries in New England and globally. She also served as a Visiting Researcher and Post-Doc at Rutgers University, and taught several graduate courses for Northeastern University’s Environmental Science and Policy program. She holds a PhD in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and an M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University.