Eric Smith is pursuing a Master’s in Political Science at the University of New Mexico with a concentration in Public Policy. His priorities are Rawlsian; proposed policies should be written in that these policies "...are to be to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society." 

Eric’s research interests are not just theoretical but also have practical implications. For instance, his interest in cultural arts policy aims to understand how public policy can be optimized to benefit the artists and educational opportunities in rural small towns within New Mexico, particularly through the Main Street Program. 

An interest in policy at the intersection of mental health care access, poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing within New Mexico and the Cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque and how policy inputs relate to outcomes.  

Eric’s career has uniquely blended academia, the arts, and technology. He co-own a metal arts and jewelry design studio in Santa Fe, leading marketing and sales efforts, focusing strongly on online channels. In addition, Eric brings over two decades of experience as a commercial photographer, specializing in product and editorial photography. His technical expertise includes building and managing complex IT infrastructures. This diverse background informs his academic pursuits and research interests.