Reviews

Photo by: Sichen Xiang

Reflections on collaboration, research, teaching, and community practice.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP

“Emma combines strategic thinking with an exceptional ability to move complex initiatives from concept to implementation.”

Dr. Ginger Grant

Managing Partner, Creativity in Business Canada Inc.   ‍  ‍

  • “I had the privilege of working closely with Emma Smith during our time at Humber College, where she served as Associate Dean of Research and Development. Emma combines strategic thinking with an exceptional ability to move complex initiatives from concept to implementation. What distinguishes Emma is her strength as both a researcher and grant writer. She has a remarkable ability to identify opportunities, build strong partnerships, and develop compelling proposals that align stakeholder interests with meaningful outcomes. Her work consistently reflects intellectual rigour, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of how research can create practical impact.

    Emma is equally effective in working with faculty, industry partners, government stakeholders, and community organizations. She brings a collaborative approach to every project, earning trust through her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence. I recommend her highly.”

“You are right where you’re supposed to be.”

— Student Reflection
Criminal Justice Graduate

“Returning to postsecondary education at Humber Polytechnic was one of the most challenging and transformative decisions of my life. After a divorce and while adjusting to life as a single parent, I entered my Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice feeling completely out of place. I was often the oldest in my classes, and despite achieving strong grades, I carried a persistent feeling that I didn’t truly belong.

That changed during my second semester when I met Dr. Emma Smith. She became a defining part of my academic journey. One day, she took the time to pull me aside and share words that would stay with me forever: ‘You are right where you’re supposed to be’.”

  • “Returning to postsecondary education at Humber Polytechnic was one of the most challenging and transformative decisions of my life. After a divorce and while adjusting to life as a single parent, I entered my Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice feeling completely out of place. I was often the oldest in my classes, and despite achieving strong grades, I carried a persistent feeling that I didn’t truly belong.

    That changed during my second semester when I met Dr. Emma Smith.

    She became a defining part of my academic journey. One day, she took the time to pull me aside and share words that would stay with me forever: “You are right where you’re supposed to be.” That simple yet powerful affirmation shifted something in me. For the first time, I felt seen—not just as a student, but as a person navigating a complex life while striving for more.

    Throughout my time in the program, I had the privilege of being taught by her in multiple courses. During some of my most difficult moments—when my personal responsibilities felt overwhelming and I questioned whether I could continue—I found myself in her office, ready to give up. While others encouraged me to take time away, she challenged me to keep going. She reminded me of my strength and stood firm in her belief that we could find a way forward together. And we did.

    After graduating, I went on to work in higher education, supporting students through their own transitions, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. In those roles, I often found myself repeating the very words she once said to me: “You are right where you’re supposed to be.” It became a guiding principle in how I showed up for students—ensuring they felt seen, supported, and like they truly belonged, even when they struggled to believe it themselves.

    Six years after completing my degree, her impact continues to shape my life. She remains someone I can turn to for guidance, encouragement, and a reminder of my own potential.

    Because of her, I not only succeeded as a student, but I carry those lessons into every space I enter. In my current role as a Community Advocacy Coordinator, the way I support and advocate for others is deeply influenced by the care, compassion, and belief she showed me. She set a standard for what it means to truly show up for others—and I strive to embody that in everything I do.”

    -Meshanda Ellison BSS-CJ, PGCert ADR

COMMUNITY SAFETY & WELL-BEING PARTNERSHIP

"I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Emma Smith as a consulting researcher, especially in the critical and growing field of community safety and well-being. In a complex, downtown neighbourhood like ours, her ability to stay focused and objective, while at the same time engaging with a variety of research participants, has generated useful and thoughtful recommendations that we will be able to put into action."

Pauline Larsen

Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA), Toronto

VOICES FROM PRACTICE

  • “Collaborating with Emma is always an extremely positive experience. Emma brings with her years of relevant, tangible, and applied research experience that is evident in the work that she produces. Through her ongoing dedication to sociological and criminological research, Emma’s work highlights innovative research methods, connection to existing and emerging theories, and a community-first approach to data collection. Having consulted and worked with Emma on several research projects, I can confidently attest to her kindness, dedication, and professionalism, and I always look forward to working with her!”

    -Sophia Pacini, PhD Candidate

  • “I have worked with Emma on international scale innovation projects for several years and have found every encounter uplifting, insightful, and focused. In our internationally based innovation work together over several years, I have found Emma to be a perceptive and insightful evaluator amid complexity I would strongly recommend Emma to solve complex evaluation communications. In our international innovation work over three years, she stood out as a leader in our team to deliver amid disruption.”

    - Steve Henry, PhD www.shift.ac.nz