Deirdre Smith, Ph.D.

Dr. Deirdre Smith is a climatologist and instructor of geography in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. She earned her Ph.D. in geography from Louisiana State University, where she conducted research on the world’s lightning hotspot in Venezuela and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes associated with thunderstorms. Her current research focuses on shifting lightning patterns within severe weather systems. She teaches introductory geography as well as elective courses in climatology, cultural geography, and human geography.

Climatology, with a focus on atmospheric electricity, extreme weather, climate migration, and the geography of South America and the Caribbean.