Faculty/Staff Listing
Dr. William James Smith Jr.
Assistant Professor
Telephone: 702-895-4439
Office: GUA 3166
E-mail: bill.smith@unlv.edu
Read:The nexus of geography technology sustainability in Chuuk State
by Dr. Smith
I focus my research and teaching at the nexus of environment-technology-society relations. I have an interdisciplinary background, with particular expertise in management of water resources and "sustainability" praxis. My work incorporates a variety of modeling techniques, and investigation of underlying causes of changes in relations between humans and the environment utilizing political economy and political ecology approaches.
In industrialized settings I largely focus on conservation and public participation to mitigate hazards and protect ecology and society. For example, I have published a book, multiple book chapters, a piece with the World Health Organization, and articles, regarding the potential of water conservation rates and conservation technologies to support what is commonly referred to as "sustainable development." In less-wealthy parts of the world my focus is on improving access to safe drinking water, geographic information systems, and environmental justice. For example, on the state scale, I have worked in the Federated States of Micronesia on building the ability to perform spatial analysis, especially focusing on watersheds and coastal land use. On island and village scales, I have researched ways to improve access to safe drinking water utilizing culturally, physically, and economically appropriate "low" water and sanitation technologies, environmental education, and public participation in watershed management. I have also conducted research in the Philippines on water privatization. Other areas I focus on include renewable energy, impacts of free trade, environmental governance, climate change, stormwater management, biodiversity and small islands, with regional interests in the Pacific Islands and the Philippines.
Dr. William James Smith Jr.