Smita Malpani

I have lived with my family in Ann Arbor since 2009. I started teaching part time at WCC in 2015 and joined the faculty full time in 2018. I LOVE teaching environmental science. We are living through the most critical period of human history. What we do in the next ten years can shape the next thousand years. I feel privileged to be able to teach about some of the most important challenges facing humanity.

My professional background is in sustainable development, where I have had 25 years’ experience designing, implementing, and evaluating natural resource management, economic growth, and infrastructure programs for donor agencies, including USAID, the World Bank, and NGOs. As a development professional, I’ve worked in 15 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. My expertise spans local governance, community resource management, development processes, capacity building, social inclusion, and participatory approaches. In my previous work I have lead teams conducting research and delivering technical assistance.

B.A., Wellesley College, Biology and Anthropology 
M.SC., Yale School of the Environment, Wetlands and Watershed Management

Malpani, S. Participation of Women in Community Forests. Policy Brief #9. USAID People, Rules, and Organizations Supporting the Protection of Ecosystem Resources. June 2015.

Malpani, S. Gender Assessment and Integration Plan. USAID People, Rules, and Organizations Supporting the Protection of Ecosystem Resources. 2012.

Malpani, S. and Dutta, S. Gender Assessment: South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy. USAID SARI/Energy. 2010.

Rubin, D., Manfre, C., Malpani, S. A gender assessment of sustainable conservation-oriented enterprises (SCOE): final report. USAID. 28 March 2008.

Ahluwalia, I., Lewis, B., Malpani, S. Asia and Near East Bureau: guide to women’s entrepreneurship in critical environments. USAID. 30 June 2006.

Kuriakose, A., Ahluwalia, I., Malpani, S., Hansen, K., Pehu, E., Dhar, A. Gender mainstreaming in water resources management. Agriculture and Rural Development Working Paper. World Bank, 1 June 2005.

Malpani, S. A gendered analysis of the Uttar Pradesh Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Project. Tropical Resources Institute News. Vol. 20. 2001, pp. 14-17.

WEDO. Risks, Rights and Reforms. March 1999. Survey report assessing progress in national policies in support of women’s health and education in 50 countries.

WEDO. Women Transform the Mainstream. April 1998. Joint UN-WEDO publication reporting on economic, ecological, and social consequences of industrial policies and practices.

WEDO. Mapping Progress. March 1998. Survey report assessing implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in 90 countries. 

Natural resource management, sustainable development, gender and social inclusion, alternative livelihoods, environmental racism and justice, climate change adaptation, participatory approaches, value chain development, local governance