Kristin K. Smith, PhD Candidate

Resources & Communities Research Group

Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University
kristinsmith6@montana.edu

Download my CV (updated February 2020)

I am a PhD Candidate in Dr. Julia H. Haggerty’s Resources & Communities Research Group at Montana State University. My research sits at the intersection of economic geography, natural resource management, and rural development. My doctoral research analyzes the community and economic development strategies that communities in the Bakken employed – during and after the height of the 2006 - 2014 boom – with a focus on how infrastructure investments enhance or inhibit community resilience. In 2018 I was awarded a two-year USDA NIFA Pre-doctoral Fellowship (Proposal #2017-07020) to continue my research on the social impacts of oil and gas development on community resilience in the Bakken.

I received my M.S. in Community Development and Applied Economics from the University of Vermont and my BA from Middlebury College. I also have a graduate certificate in Ecological Economics from the University of Vermont. Prior to my graduate studies, I worked in Vermont's nonprofit sector working to strengthen the regional agriculture and food system.

When not at the office, I am an avid (albeit slow) trail runner, mountain biker, cross country skier, and hiker. I live in Vermont with my partner Joe and our delightfully energetic English pointer Isaac.

PhD Committee Members

• Julia H. Haggerty - Advisor (Montana State University)

• William Wyckoff (Montana State University)

• Jamie McEvoy (Montana State University)

• David Kay (Cornell University)

Teaching Experience

• ECO 2030 Microeconomics. Lead Instructor, Community College of Vermont (2017)

• CDAE 295. Public Communication Service Learning Capstone Course. TA, University of Vermont (2013; 2014)

• CDAE 024 Fundamentals of Public Communication. TA, University of Vermont (2012)

Community Service

• Town of Sudbury, Vermont Energy Committee, Volunteer Member, 2019 – present

• Green Mountain Club. Publications Committee, Volunteer Member, 2014 – present

• Vermont Campership Fund. Board Member, 2014 – present

• Graduate Student Affinity Group, AAG. Treasurer, 2017 – 2018

• Montana State University Graduate Council. Graduate Student Representative, 2016 – 2017

• Middlebury College Alumni Admissions Program. Volunteer Interviewer for Prospective Students, 2011 – 2017

• Vermont Public Radio Community Forum. Volunteer & Steering Committee Member, 2012 – 2015

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