Exciting New Faculty Arrivals at Smith: Meet Our Latest Additions!

Smith College welcomes a vibrant group of twelve new tenure-track and tenured professors this year, enriching various fields from art to neuroscience.

During a recent ceremony, President Sarah Willie-LeBreton shared her excitement about the new faculty. “Smithies come to you eager to learn and make a difference,” she said. She encouraged faculty to leverage all resources available to inspire students.

Meet the New Faculty:

Ethel Barja, Assistant Professor of Spanish
Ethel is a scholar in Hispanic studies with a focus on Latin American and Caribbean literature. With a doctorate from Brown University, her work explores critical themes in poetry and literature. She is also an award-winning author, recognized for her insights into cultural and historical impacts in poetry.

Gillian Beltz-Mohrmann, Assistant Professor of Physics
Gillian recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in astrophysics. Her research combines galaxy formation and cosmology, utilizing advanced simulations to unravel mysteries about dark matter and energy.

Jocelyn Breton, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Jocelyn’s research at UC Berkeley centers on how stress during development impacts behavior. She studies brain function in rats to uncover what makes some individuals more resilient than others.

Cagney Coomer, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Cagney specializes in brain regeneration after spinal injuries. Using innovative techniques with zebrafish, she aims to advance our understanding while promoting STEM education for girls of color through her nonprofit.

Joseph Francesco Cozza, Assistant Professor of Government
Joseph’s focus is on empowering citizens to engage in political change. With degrees from prestigious institutions, he explores the interplay between citizen behavior and democratic processes.

Rebecca Deitsch, Assistant Professor of Classical Languages
Rebecca’s research delves into the role of epic poetry in shaping Roman ideology. She is committed to making ancient languages accessible through innovative teaching methods and outreach.

Lauron J. Kehrer, Associate Professor of Music
Lauron studies how race, gender, and sexuality intersect in contemporary music, especially in hip-hop. Their work champions marginalized voices in the arts and promotes critical discussions around identity.

Seok (Sean) Kim, Assistant Professor of Economics
Sean’s research investigates how industrial policies affect trade outcomes and political dynamics. He brings a wealth of knowledge on trade and economic policy to the classroom.

Sang Hoon Kong, Assistant Professor of Economics
Sang examines international trade and its effects on local economies. His courses aim to shed light on the complexities of trade relationships and economic development.

Meredith Pecukonis, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Meredith studies language development in individuals with autism. Her research combines neurobiology and culture to explore why some develop strong language skills while others do not.

Nikko Stevens, Assistant Professor of Statistical and Data Sciences
Nikko investigates the societal impacts of technology and data infrastructures. Their groundbreaking work focuses on how data can perpetuate inequality and aims to inform a more equitable tech landscape.

Isabel Strauss, Assistant Professor of Art
Isabel merges architectural history with African American cultural studies. With experience in various design fields, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching and research.

This new faculty cohort not only enhances academic diversity at Smith but also reflects the college’s commitment to addressing pressing questions in society today. With each professor bringing unique experiences and insights, students have a rich opportunity to engage with a variety of disciplines.

In recent studies, such as the 2023 report by the American Council on Education, colleges that diversify faculty see improved student retention and satisfaction. This trend highlights the importance of having teachers who can connect with a diverse student body, making the addition of this new faculty even more significant.

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