I have spent over a decade living and working in the outdoors as a field biologist, outdoor educator, and tall ship sailor. During my time as a field biologist, I have contributed to projects led by the National Audubon Society, National Park Service, Southern Colorado Plateau Network, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research project, Colorado Plateau Research Station, and others. These positions have allowed me to live and work in Maine, Alaska, and throughout the Four Corners of the Southwest.
My research interests are eclectic but primarily focused on science communication, natural history, ornithology, and conservation biology. I have conducted qualitative research to improve the efficacy of collaborative research teams, taught undergraduate communication courses in Environmental Humanities and English, and led a variety of experiential education programs. I am always looking for opportunities to create and support projects that integrate the arts, sciences, and humanities so please reach out if you are interested in collaborating!
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
PEER-REVIEWED
Mahoney, Sean M., Anna Nellis B Smith; Peter J Motyka; Erick J Lundgren; Matthew J Johnson; Raemy R Winton; Bo Stevens. 2019. Russian olive habitat along an arid river supports fewer bird species, functional groups, and a different species composition relative to mixed vegetation habitats. Journal of Arid Environments. Vol 167: 26-33. doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2019.04.018.
NON-REFEREED / EDITED
Smith, A. N. and B. G. Merkle. 2020. Meaning-Making in Science Communication: A Case for Precision in Word Choice. The Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1794
Popular Science
Four garter snake species call Wyoming home. Barnyards & Backyards, Fall 2020 Issue (print)
See Literary Work for more of my writing
PRESENTATIONS & POSTERS
Anna Nellis Smith. 2020. Russian olive habitat along an arid river supports fewer bird species, functional groups and a different species composition relative to mixed vegetation habitats. Poster for the North American Ornithological Conference.
Zeke Smith & Nell Smith. 2019. Stratton & Bluff Islands Annual Update. Prouts Neck Audubon Society Meeting, Prouts Neck, ME.
Anna Nellis Smith. 2012. One island, two nations: deforestation in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Conservation Biology Symposium Presentation at Prescott College, Prescott, AZ.
Nell Smith 