RIDE Center Faculty Fellow - Tamara Smith, Ph.D.

Tamara Smith, Professor of Health Sciences

Dr. Tamara Smith is a professor of Sociology and gerontology, focused on teaching Westfield State University students more about the principles of care work, gerontology, education, and family policy. As much of her work concerns the wellbeing and care for those of senior age, Dr. Smith utilizes the RIDE Center as a resource for her students to bring to life the projects and visions they speak about in the classroom to help better the Western MA geriatric community as a whole.

tamara smith headshot

Projects

1. Cards for senior citizens of the Western MA community

  • Students in Dr. Smith’s gerontology course used the Cricut Smart cutting machines and other rapid prototyping equipment to make cards for senior centers in the Western, MA community.
  • Training students on this equipment allowed them to make cards for individuals who may not have many family members or friends that they see on a regular basis. These works of art are keepsakes that oftentimes many residents will have great joy in receiving.

 

personalized cards made by cricut smart cutting machine