Wakeley-Smith’s research focuses on the history of American Roma (often problematically called Gypsies) in the United States. His forthcoming book (2027) from the University of Illinois Press entitled “Gypsy Madness": American Roma in New York City explores the history of Romani immigration, racialization, and representations in New York City. His work shows the way Americans embraced the “Gypsy” stereotype while policing Romani people and destroying Romani homes and businesses. The history of American Roma in New York highlights the power of immigration officials, discretionary policing, urban “renewal” projects, and popular culture during pivotal moments of immigration, urban containment, and social exclusion.

Wakeley-Smith teaches courses at Washington University  about American immigration, racial formations, popular culture, and urban history. Courses of particular note include “Aliens and Undesirables: Making American Immigrants” and “The American South” along with the American History Survey course taught every fall.

Wakeley-Smith has authored articles for the Journal of American Ethnic History and Critical Romani Studies. He has contributed a chapter to the forthcoming collection from Cambridge University Press entitled The Romani Atlantic, and is an editor and contributor on the Oxford Handbook of Romani History from Oxford University Press (2028). Wakeley-Smith also helps run a Queens based educational and cultural arts non-profit called Rom Sam Yehk (We Are One) www.romsamyehk.org and serves as a consultant for businesses, non-profits, and media companies related to his expertise.