C. Estelle Smith

Dr. C. Estelle Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines. Her research focuses on the fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Social Computing. She is dedicated to exploring how technology design can support spiritual care, health assistance, and emotional support in online communities. Her work has been widely published in top academic conferences such as CHI and CSCW, covering research on platforms like Wikipedia, online health communities, and Reddit. Dr. Smith holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, where she conducted extensive research in the GroupLens Research Lab. Her work emphasizes human-centered design principles aimed at creating more inclusive and supportive technological systems that promote well-being and a sense of belonging for users in virtual communities.

• 2023–Present·Colorado School of Mines·Assistant Professor
  • Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Computer Science, leading a lab focused on the application of technology design in areas such as spiritual care.
• 2021–2022·University of Minnesota·Postdoctoral Researcher
  • Conducted postdoctoral research in the Department of Information Science.
• 2016–2020·University of Minnesota·Doctoral Researcher
  • Conducted doctoral research in the GroupLens Research Lab and the Department of Computer Science.

• 2016–2020·University of Minnesota·Ph.D.
  • Computer Science and Engineering, focused on Social Computing.
• 2014–2015·University of Minnesota·Bachelor's Degree
  • Neuroscience.
• 2005–2010·University of Minnesota·Bachelor's Degree
  • English (Creative Writing).