Two biologists in a blue whitewater raft performing call-playback surveys on the silty San Juan River.

SCIENCE & FIELDWORK

My research interests center at the intersections between science communication, ecology & natural history, and collaborative conservation. 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. Additionally, I have conducted qualitative research to improve the efficacy of collaborative research teams, managed outreach & marketing for environmental non-profits, taught university communication courses in Environmental Humanities and English, and led a variety of experiential education programs on land and at sea.


SCHOLARLY & POPULAR PUBLICATIONS


PEER-REVIEWED

Mahoney, S. M., A. N. B Smith; P. J Motyka; E. J Lundgren; M. J Johnson; R. R Winton; B. 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 (available upon request)

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. doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1794 (open access)

GENERAL INTEREST

Four garter snakes species call WY home. Barnyards & Backyards, 2020 Fall Issue (download PDF)


RESEARCH MEDIA COVERAGE


Piccone, A. Words Matter For Scientists—Here’s Why. Wyoming Public Radio. March 19, 2021. (Link)

This is the Colorado Plateau with Christopher Calvo: Scientific and Environmental News, Events and Voices from Around the Region. Radio Sunnyside. June 6, 2019.


PROFESSIONAL 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.


See Literary Work for more writing, multimedia & collaborative projects

See Recognition & Awards for other public readings, interviews, grants & awards