Dr. Smith joined the Modifiable Factors in Autism Research Program at the Autism Institute in 2022, after 10 years of research and teaching in medical school and public health programs. Prior to re-training in autism research, Dr. Smith’s work broadly focused on tobacco use and vaping, including epidemiology, policy approaches, healthcare provider training, community health, women’s health, and health equity. Dr. Smith’s autism research focuses on determinants and outcomes of emotional development and functioning across the lifespan, healthcare provider training, co-occurring health conditions, and improving systems of support for autistic individuals with complex care needs and their families.