hi!

I'm based in Somerville, MA and focused on improving tangible experiences, creating positive social impact and building community—through music, art, food, mutual aid, design and research.

I’m currently a consultant (and formerly Senior Innovation Manager) with Commonwealth, a Boston-based national nonprofit, designing innovative and respectful research, tools and products to support people in the U.S. living on low and moderate income to build financial security and opportunity.

Trained in mechanical engineering, design and hands-on problem-solving at MIT, I previously led design research efforts at MIT's D-Lab. Here, I authored the D-Lab Scale-Ups User Research Framework, an in-depth resource for conducting qualitative research in cross-cultural contexts, and carried out fieldwork in Brazil, Ghana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. As a freelance researcher, I have led qualitative studies on topics ranging from breastfeeding to co-working.

Outside of work, you'll find me on the radio (hosting Breakfast of Champions, a weekly indie rock show on WMBR 88.1fm), doing pottery, riding my bike and cooking vegetarian dishes to share.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or opportunities at rebecca dot anna dot smith at gmail dot com.