Dr. Nathan D. Smith is an EDC Senior Research Scientist and nationally recognized expert in problem gambling prevention. An epidemiologist and experienced science communicator, his work focuses on behavioral health and the prevention of harm. He develops research and evaluation initiatives that help organizations understand emerging risks, assess prevention strategies, and use evidence to inform policy and practice.

At EDC, Nathan contributes to research and business development across gambling prevention, youth well-being, and emerging technology. His interests include young people’s relationships with artificial intelligence and other digital products, with particular attention to how these technologies may create or amplify risks for adolescents. He seeks to connect expertise in prevention and youth development with research that informs safer technology design and use.

Nathan’s gambling research spans youth online gambling, self-exclusion, public health surveillance, and program and policy evaluation. He approaches gambling as a public health issue, examining how individual behavior, social conditions, and commercial environments shape participation and harm.

Previously, Nathan served as founding executive director and director of research at Kindbridge Research Institute, where he helped establish the research agenda and develop partnerships and funding proposals. His work included initiatives addressing military populations and supporting state-level responses to problem gambling.

Across his work, Nathan emphasizes methodological rigor, transparency, and practical relevance. He works to ensure that research addresses meaningful questions, uses appropriate methods, and produces findings that practitioners and policymakers can use to improve outcomes for their communities.

He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Harvard University.