Natalia V. Smirnova

Associate Professor In Residence

Economics

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Dr. Smirnova is an alumna of the University of Connecticut, receiving her Ph.D. in Economics from UConn in 2004. Her career has spanned government, academia, and non-profit sectors. This applied economics experience provides the basis for her approach to teaching: to engage students with real-world applications and data-driven explorations, as well as to focus on the relevance of economics to everyday decisions. For her innovation in the classroom, Natalia received a Wal-Mart Teaching Excellence Award from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in 2007, and a Grillo Family Excellence in Teaching Award from the Economics Department at UConn in 2021.

Dr. Smirnova’s research interests mirror her unique career path. She has published on economic transition in Russia, on new pedagogical approaches in a classroom with students of diverse backgrounds and levels of preparation, and on program evaluation. Her most recent publications are in the field of economic education.

Dr. Smirnova is Early College Experience (ECE) Economics program coordinator.

Dr. Smirnova serves as Treasurer for the Eastern Economic Association (EEA) since 2015.

Dr. Smirnova’s Teaching Portfolio

 

Teaching and Service Awards:

Thomas E. Recchio Faculty Coordinator Award for Academic Leadership 2024

Stamford Faculty Recognition Award – 2021 and 2023

CLAS Broader Impacts, Service, and Visibility Award 2022

Grillo Family Excellence in Teaching Award 2021

University Teaching Innovation Award 2022  (nomination)

Faculty Career Advocate of the Year 2021 (nomination)

Outstanding Undergraduate Adviser Award 2021 (nomination by students)