Gregory A. Smith, Ph.D.

Department of Biology, University of Akron

Executive Director, Ohio Biological Survey

I am a terrestrial ecologist studying birds and mammals to investigate how and why populations and communities are structured across space and time.  I am also interested in patterns of biodiversity and how that diversity might be explained and preserved.  Research projects, past and present, include:  an investigation of home range size and space use of coyotes in an urbanizing landscape; the impact of "biotic homogenization" on the structure of vertebrate communities in the Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio; long-term small mammal population dynamics in northeastern Ohio and eastern Kansas; the role of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) within the Great Plains ecosystem; base-line inventories of terrestrial vertebrates at a National Park Service site in western Oklahoma; and an analysis of winter habitat use by American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in eastern Mississippi.  Stepping outside of the traditional Biology silo, I also have an interest in the Public Understanding of Science.  Specifically, what factors inhibit an understanding or an acceptance of scientific evidence, how malleable are opinions about scientific "controversies," and what role does higher education play in increasing public confidence in science and science practitioners? 

 

Currently, I am on the Graduate Faculty in the Department of Biology at The University of Akron and serve as Manager of the Martin Center for Field Studies and Environmental Education. I am also Executive Director of the Ohio Biological Survey, a consortium of over 115 research and environmental education organizations dedicated to the collection and dissemination of scientific information on Ohio's flora and fauna.  Over the years I have taught a number of courses (see "Teaching" below) and have advised students with research and career interests in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Ecology.

 

Contact Information:                                                                                                  

Gregory A. Smith

Department of Biology                                                                                   

University of Akron

Akron, OH 44325-3908

 

Phone:  (330) 972-7501

FAX:  (330) 972-8445

Email:  gasmith@uakron.edu

 

Provide comments to Greg Smith at gasmith@uakron.edu. 

 

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Page Updated:  August 30, 2011