Dr. Maya Smith

Professor

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Biography

Maya Angela Eipe Smith is a Professor in French and Italian Studies at the University of Washington and serves as the Associate Dean for Equity, Justice, and Inclusion. She earned her PhD in Romance Languages and Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013, after completing her MA/BA at New York University's Institute of French Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of racial and linguistic identity formations among marginalized groups in the African diaspora, particularly in the postcolonial francophone context. Smith’s notable works include 'Senegal Abroad: Linguistic Borders, Racial Formations, Diasporic Imaginaries,' which won the Modern Language Association’s French Francophone Studies book prize, and critically explores language practices within Senegal's national and transnational identities. She is also working on co-authoring the memoir 'Reclaiming Venus: Lives Alvenia Bridges' (2024), which delves into race and gender within the entertainment industry. Her upcoming book 'Ne quitte pas' (2025) examines the transformative power of a famous song and its cultural implications across various contexts.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.