Monica L. Smith
anthro.ucla.edu
@smithUCLA
Monica L. Smith is an archaeologist and professor at UCLA, specializing in anthropology and environmental sustainability.
Her global fieldwork experiences informed her research on cities and human societies.
Smith's interest in urban studies was sparked by her move to Manhattan, which coincided with her research in India.
She authored two books: "A Prehistory of Ordinary People" and "Cities: The First 6,000 Years." In the latter, Smith aimed to engage readers in understanding cities through an archaeological perspective, emphasizing the dynamic connections between people in urban environments.
She highlights cities as dominant population centers due to their economic, educational, and entertainment opportunities.
