Heather Smith

Heather Smith is the Director of Graduate Programs for Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison. In this role, she guides the stewardship, growth, and academic integrity of InterPro's online engineering graduate offerings, with a focus on high quality learning experiences for working professionals. 

She also serves as the Program Director for the online Master of Science in Engineering Management, supporting curriculum design, course improvement, and student success across the degree. 

As a member of the teaching faculty, Heather teaches both graduate and professional development courses. She teaches EPD 613 International Engineering Strategies and Practices and Mastering the Transition from Technical Expert to Leader, as well as other graduate courses when needed.

Before joining UW Madison, Heather built a career spanning nearly two decades in the test and measurement industry at National Instruments, where she held engineering, leadership, and global program management roles. Her work included leading international engineering projects across consumer electronics, RF, solar, and oil and gas sectors, as well as advancing online training and professional education programs for engineers.

Heather holds BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Engineering and Technology Management from the Colorado School of Mines. She is a certified Project Management Professional.