Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith is an esteemed Assistant Professor and Consumer Food Safety Specialist at the School of Food Science, Washington State University (WSU). With a robust academic foundation, she earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences with a focus on Microbiology from the University of Idaho. Prior to this, she completed her M.S. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry, also from the University of Idaho, and a B.S. in Microbiology from Idaho State University. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her career in food safety and microbiology. Since joining WSU in 2015, Smith has made significant contributions as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. Her professional trajectory includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Idaho from 2014 to 2015, where she honed her research skills, and a decade-long tenure as a Research Assistant at the same institution. Her research is primarily centered on food safety education and outreach, with a particular emphasis on engaging hard-to-reach audiences, ensuring that vital food safety information is accessible to all. Smith's expertise is further underscored by her numerous certifications. She is a certified Produce Safety Alliance Produce Safety Rule Training Lead Trainer, ServSafe Instructor and Proctor, Better Process Control School Instructor, and FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Lead Instructor. These certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety education and training. Her research and outreach initiatives have been bolstered by funding from prestigious organizations such as the USDA NIFA and NASA ROSES. This support has enabled her to advance her work in food safety, contributing to the development of innovative educational programs and resources that address the needs of diverse communities. Smith is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, striving to make food safety knowledge accessible and actionable for all. Her dedication to her field is evident in her ongoing efforts to engage with and educate various audiences, ensuring that food safety remains a priority in both academic and community settings.