In Memoriam: Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Smith

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Dr. Michael J. (Mike) Smith, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Dr. Smith earned his PhD in industrial psychology from UW–Madison in 1973. Upon graduation, he moved his family to Cincinnati where he worked for ten years at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In 1984, he returned to his alma mater as a professor of Industrial Engineering and  would go on to found the department’s Human Factors Program, laying the foundation for decades of research, education, and innovation.

Dr. Smith was a pioneer in the field of Human Factors and Ergonomics, focusing on how technology interfaces with people in real-world environments. As he described in 1987:

“We’re concerned with the interface between people and technology—whether the technology is a tennis racket, a hammer, a robot, or a computer.”

His research required direct engagement with the workplace, and he was known for collaborating closely with both labor and management. His warmth, empathy, and remarkable interpersonal skills made him a natural in these roles. His scholarly work spanned human factors and ergonomics, occupational safety, job-related stress, organizational design, and workplace wellbeing.

Just as influential as his research was Dr. Smith’s impact on the people around him—his colleagues, students, and collaborators.

Professor Shiyu Zhou, current Department Chair and a faculty member since 2002, recalls:

“What stood out about Mike was not only his professional wisdom but also his genuine care for others. For me, his encouragement transformed what could have been an isolating experience into a more hopeful and rewarding journey.”

That deep well of respect and trust led to Dr. Smith’s appointment as Department Chair in 1989, just five years after his return to campus. He served in this role until 1997, guiding the department through a time of significant growth and transition.

His students remember him not only as an extraordinary scholar and teacher but also as a profoundly humane mentor.

Professor Pascale Carayon, emerita professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was his first PhD student at the UW-Madison:

“Mike was a very special person, an international leader in Human Factors and Ergonomics and an amazing teacher and mentor. Mike was my PhD advisor, mentor, colleague and friend for more than 40 years. His death is a huge loss for UW-Madison, our HFE community and all of us, his students, friends and colleagues.”

Dr. Katherine Sanders, who completed her PhD under his guidance, shared:

“Mike not only taught occupational health—he modeled it in the work he chose and the way he engaged with it. A truly lovely human, extraordinary teacher, and the founder of the Human Factors Program at UW–Madison.”

Dr. Farheen Khan, one of his final PhD advisees, reflected on the enduring lessons she learned from him:

“He listened intently to our life’s challenges, made us feel heard and valued, always believed in us, and saw potential in us even when we couldn’t see it ourselves. I strive to emulate him in how I guide, lead, and teach young people, channeling his belief in others, his dedication to their growth, and his ability to lead with compassion.”

We are deeply honored to remember Professor Michael J. Smith—a pioneering scholar, a devoted mentor, and a beloved member of our community.

A full obituary can be found here:

https://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/obituaries/12779/michael-smith