In addition to being the associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute, Prof. Smith teaches in the MME program and in the Energy Specialization program which is open to all Freeman students. Professor Eric N. Smith also produces essential reports and serves as the public face of the Energy Institute, responding to local and national media on energy-related questions. Current plans include a presentation in Shenzhen, China in September concerning Sino-American Energy Trade Policy.

A Freeman alumnus, Professor Smith was teaching night classes at Freeman when the Dean asked him to become the first employee in the Energy Institute. He joined to lend his practical expertise to the program, drawn from many years of service to the energy industry - both domestically and internationally.