Kevin Smith Chair & Associate Professor of Biology

I came to Davidson in January 2014, after having worked at Washington University in St. Louis as a research center director and ecologist. I have conducted research throughout the eastern United States and in South Africa, where I conducted my postdoctoral research.

My teaching at Davidson focuses on general biology, conservation biology, and data analysis. I am particularly interested in testing and applying new and evidence-based teaching methods in the classroom, especially those that ensure success for the broadest group of students possible.

My research focuses on analyzing biodiversity and biodiversity loss. On the latter topic, I am in the process of establishing a research program in experimental conservation biology here at Davidson. In this research, my students, collaborators and I establish artificial communities and then cause miniature mass extinctions through the application of disturbances such as drought, habitat loss, or the introduction of invasive species. Our goal is to identify broad traits that are predictive of extinction risk through the use of these manipulative experiments. 

I also have students working on other topics in conservation ecology, including understanding the spread of invasive plants in the region, the effects of habitat fragmentation, and the restoration of lost biodiversity.