Dr. Smith's research uses a risk and protective factors framework to understand youth involvement with risky behavior, such as violence, drugs, early sexual debut to prevent their engagement with the juvenile justice system. She uses a collaborative framework for working with teachers and school leaders to develop a positive school climate to provide youth with social and emotional support coupled with expectations for academic excellence. Importantly, this preventive intervention framework engages a systemic, comprehensive, and sustainable approach towards positive youth development. William A. Smith, Ph.D.