The University of Minnesota Office for Public Engagement recognized M. Kumi Smith with its 2025 Research and Creative Activities Award, one of a series of public engagement awards that recognize the breadth and depth of community-engaged research, teaching, and service across the University system.

Smith’s research focuses on health disparities at the intersection of infectious diseases, substance use, and homelessness. Her research in the School of Public Health focuses on structural and systemic change to support clinical workers to provide trauma-informed and culturally-specific care for the most underserved patients.

“These awardees represent truly exemplary university-community partnerships across research, teaching, and outreach that make real differences in society. We are honored to recognize their contributions to community-engaged scholarship!” said Laurie Van Egeren, Vice Provost for Public Engagement.

The 2025 award recipients will be honored at an April 29 awards luncheon for their outstanding publicly engaged work.

About the Office for Public Engagement
The University of Minnesota Office for Public Engagement (OPE)  is a University-wide office that is nationally recognized for advancing community-engaged research, teaching, and outreach. OPE builds and supports infrastructure throughout the University’s five-campus system that promotes deep, mutually beneficial partnerships for scholars, students, and communities throughout Minnesota and beyond.