Kat Smith Email & Phone Number

Katelyn is a doctoral student at UMass Lowell’s Center for Terrorism and Security Studies, focusing her research on irregular warfare strategy and hybrid conflicts. Her work explores organized crime and instability in Mexico, national security threats to the U.S., and journalism in conflict zones. She currently develops data-driven training modules for law enforcement and counterterrorism practitioners, enhancing both agency capabilities and security-civilian relationships.Katelyn holds a Master’s in International Security from UMass Lowell and a Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors. She previously directed a nonprofit program supporting victims of interpersonal violence and human trafficking, and has worked on grants funded by the National Institute of Justice and Department of Defense on topics ranging from domestic terrorism to misinformation in warfare. A frequent presenter at international conferences, Katelyn’s work bridges the academic and practitioner worlds to advance international security and national interests.