Jessica Smith

Jess Smith is a researcher and adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Lynchburg. She brings with her a decade of public safety and educational policy experience, most recently with the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety.

Jess is finishing her PhD in Public Policy with a concentration in Criminal Justice at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs at VCU. Her research focuses on school safety and threat assessment. Jess also holds an M.S in Criminal Justice from VCU and a B.A. in Political Science from N.C. State University.

When not working, Jess enjoys exploring new eats in Richmond, Virginia and binge-watching shows with her two pups and cat at her side.