Benjamin Smith is a rising junior at the University of Alabama majoring in quantitative economics, mathematics, music composition, and Spanish. He is concurrently pursuing a Master of Arts in quantitative economics. His extensive coursework in mathematical economics and language informs a passion for consumer protection in an increasingly financialized and digitally interconnected world.  

During his freshman year, he spent two months on scholarship in Barranquilla, Colombia, studying Spanish literature and indigenous culture at Universidad del Norte and contributed to international research on Spanish and English bilingualism. His ongoing research includes a web design collaboration with music faculty to enhance aural skills and a Master's thesis on algorithmic pricing. In addition to those studies, Smith is an active music composer and performer, debuting a short film score and musical theatre piece this year while taking the stage as a saxophonist, clarinetist, guitarist, and singer.  

Between academic pursuits, he volunteers with the Kappa Kappa Psi music service fraternity, helping young musicians and the local community. He also serves as an editor for his campus newspaper, The Crimson White, producing investigative journalism on public issues like local data centers, defunding of campus diversity programs, legal battles over athletics eligibility, and more. His journalistic work has been cited in a federal court case, and his interviewees include CEOs, a Nobel Prize Laureate, and the Alabama Secretary of State.