Clara Smith (PhD ’26, BIO) has dedicated her research to raising awareness about the needs of rural science teachers while also making a meaningful difference in their professional development. She is focused on designing tools and programs that help them grow, track their progress, and improve learning for generations of students. For Smith, this research is an opportunity to serve the educators who need it most.
“When you're working with teachers, and you help them become a better teacher, then you're also helping hundreds of students down the road,” Smith explains. “That’s the nice thing about working with educators.”
Smith’s work supports rural high school biology teachers by crafting professional development programs, providing an observation instrument to track and improve their classroom practices, and conducting case studies to document growth. Her goal is to empower educators with limited resources, improve their teaching skills, and share their stories.
Building on her research and classroom experiences, Smith also dedicates herself to mentoring students to help guide the next generation of biology teachers. In this role, she’s learned the importance of providing students with opportunities to build their confidence and develop skills. Smith and her team of undergraduate students are summarizing their research findings for publication. “I remember how much of a confidence boost it was for me when I got my first paper published with my mentor,” Smith says. “Doing that with other students is really exciting.”
When you're working with teachers, and you help them become a better teacher, then you're also helping hundreds of students down the road.
Biology and Balance
After finishing her undergraduate degree in biology at BYU, completing a master’s degree in Ohio, and teaching middle school science, Smith came back to BYU to pursue a PhD. Through her academic journey, she has faced the challenge of balancing home life with the rigorous demands of school. As the mother of three children with another on the way, finding time to fulfill all her responsibilities is no small task, but for Smith, it’s simply part of her daily routine. Through balancing research projects, mentoring, and taking care of her family, Smith acknowledges that her “time and capacity was multiplied in a way that only could have happened with Heavenly Father’s help.” She knows that it’s only through Him that she’s been able to thrive.
Smith’s efforts to balance family, research, and teaching with determination and passion is evidence that dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to take chances can open doors she never imagined and inspire others along the way.
After graduation, Smith plans on pursuing a postdoctoral research fellowship in biology education while also teaching a couple of classes as an adjunct.