Spencer Smith

he/him

  • Associate Professor of Physics
  • Chair of Physics & Astronomy
Spencer Smith, Faculty

Spencer Smith's work seeks to characterize the complexity inherent in chaotic fluid motion by uncovering dynamically relevant and topologically robust fluid structures. He investigates how these ideas are pertinent from micro-fluidic chips at the small scale to pollution tracking and prediction in oceanic flows on a much larger scale and touch on some of the deep questions in fluid dynamics, such as the nature of turbulence.

Spencer is also very interested in the intersection of art and physics, and he curated a show at the MHC Art Museum in fall 2017 on the science photographs of Berenice Abbott. 

Areas of Expertise

physics (fluid dynamics); math (dynamic systems theory & topology); computer science (finite elements, data structures, algorithm development, and numerical methods)

Education

  • Ph.D., M.S., Tufts University
  • B.A., Dartmouth College

Happening at Mount Holyoke

Recent Campus News

Introducing Mount Holyoke’s Class of 2030

Mount Holyoke College’s class of 2030 has arrived on campus, ready to challenge conventions and make connections.

Caroline Nobo ’07 to lead Weissman Center

Caroline Nobo ’07 will return to Mount Holyoke as director of the Weissman Center for Leadership, bringing more than 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership and public service.

Mount Holyoke earns spot on Princeton Review’s Financial Aid Honor Roll

The College is one of just 22 schools nationwide, and the only women’s college, to receive the Princeton Review’s highest possible financial aid score, the latest recognition of Mount Holyoke's investment in access and affordability.

Recent Publications

Smith, S.A., Gong, R. (2022). Braiding dynamics in active nematics. Frontiers in Physics, 10.

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