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Political Science Department

Dr. Brianna A. Smith

Brianna A Smith is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the United States Naval Academy, teaching courses on Political Psychology, American Politics, and survey research. They earned their PhD in political science from the University of Minnesota, and their BA in political science, psychology, and German studies from Tufts University. 
Smith's research primarily focuses on the ways political threats such as economic losses, terrorism, and pandemics can affect people's political attitudes, behavior, and participation in democracy. They also study political polarization, attitudes about marginalized groups, and survey research methods. Their research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and featured by media outlets including The Washington Post and the London School of Economic's American Politics and Policy blog. Since joining the Naval Academy, Smith has also worked with political science capstone students to create a student-designed election survey, funded by the Class of 1962 Academic Enrichment Fund. Smith can also be found volunteer coaching sabre for the USNA fencing club, and refereeing fencing both locally and nationally.
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