Karla Smith, MPA, Applied Behavioral Analysis (Cert.)

Karla Smith is a Program Coordinator and Instructor at the University of Arizona Graduate Center, where she leads undergraduate research and graduate-school preparation initiatives. She brings over a decade of experience in higher education and research at the University of Arizona, Stanford University, and Duke University. She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus in Policy and a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is pursuing a PhD in Special Education at the University of Arizona. Trained in culturally responsive pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Karla emphasizes inclusive and accessible teaching practices. Her research focuses on neurodiversity in higher education, equitable educational pathways, and the use of artificial intelligence to support student success. Her scholarly work includes leading an original research pilot, presenting at national conferences, contributing to an academic book chapter, developing curriculum, instructional videos, and assessments for the University of Arizona’s Undergraduate Research Microcredentialing Program, and serving as an editorial assistant at Stanford University.

Karla is committed to bridging research and practice, expanding access to undergraduate research, and preparing the next generation of scholars.