Estelle Smith, PhD

Dr. C. Estelle Smith (estellesmithphd.com) is a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Department of Information Science. With an emphasis in Human-Computer Interaction and Social Computing, Estelle completed her PhD in Computer Science in the GroupLens Research Lab (grouplens.org) at the University of Minnesota in 2020. Through industry and interdisciplinary partnerships with organizations like CaringBridge, the Wikimedia Foundation, and Reddit, Estelle’s research explores online systems, communities, and Data Science or Artificial Intelligence and Machine-Learning (AI/ML)-based mechanisms for improving mental and spiritual wellbeing during health crises. Her work has received three awards at prestigious computing venues, including the CHI and CSCW conferences. Estelle employs a Human Centered Design approach that uses qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to evaluate stakeholders’ values, needs, and behaviors, and to design future sociotechnical innovations that can support spiritual healing and flourishing, even in the face of life-critical illness. Apart from work, Estelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves venturing out into the mountains to rock climb, ski, bike, yoga, and hike with her wonderful Siberian husky, Zosima. Contact her on Twitter at @EstelleSmithPhD or send an email to c.estelle.smith@colorado.edu.