Dr Laura Ellyn Smith

About

Dr Laura Smith is a specialist in American presidential history from the 19th century through to the present day. Her work at the University of Oxford (second doctorate) analyses the development of presidential power in foreign policy at the turn of the 20th century, challenging the conception of only associating the expanse of executive power with the modern presidency.

She also has a book under contract, Rhetoric versus Reality: Democratization and the Presidential Election of 1832, based on her additional specialism in American domestic politics and elections.

Dr Smith has had nine peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters published. As a tutorial instructor she taught American history and politics at 19 of Oxford’s colleges and is experienced at educating diverse audiences. She is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University, where she is a member of the Public History Committee.