My research interests are eclectic but primarily focused on the intersections between science communication, natural history, ornithology, and conservation biology. 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. 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 on land and at sea.
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 snakes species call WY home. Barnyards & Backyards, Fall 2020 Issue.
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 