The Smith Lab at Texas A&M-Kingsville

Jennifer A. Smith, Ph.D

Assistant Professor, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, TAMUK

I am a wildlife ecologist and my research aims to evaluate the effects of global change on the spatial ecology, demography, and behavior of birds and, on occasion, other taxa. My research often takes a mechanistic approach by incorporating field observations, experiments, and statistical and geospatial analyses. Much of my work addresses the effects of land-use and management decisions in rural landscapes, but has recently expanded to consider urbanization. I am also interested in the human dimensions of wildlife which influence, and are influenced by wildlife management and conservation behaviors. Overall, my objective is to conduct research that informs policy and promotes sustainable land uses that consider the conservation of wildlife and human well-being.

I completed my undergraduate at Cardiff University and her PhD at the University of Birmingham (both UK). I currently serve as Associate Editor for the Journal of Field Ornithology

Email: jennifer.smith@tamuk.edu

Google Scholar profile found here;

Twitter: @Jen_A_Smith1

Gilberto Martinez Jr., MS Student

Department of Integrative Biology, UTSA

I received my BS in Biology from the University of Texas- Pan American (now UTRGV) in 2011. I am originally from the Rio Grande Valley, where I grew up chasing snakes and lizards and where I started my career in natural resources and environmental education. I have worked for the USFWS, National Audubon and now work for the state as an environmental specialist. My MS thesis will focus on the breeding phenology and range of the state protected Mexican white-lipped frog (Leptodactylus fragilis) in Texas, where we hope to better understand the seasonal behavior of the species at its northern most limits

Email: gilberto.martinez@my.utsa.edu

Lauren Granger, MS Student (UTSA)

Successfully defended in Summer 2024.

Thesis title: ‘The Effects of Supplementary Bird Feeding on Space Use of Backyard Birds in San Antonio, Texas’

Jose Alan Vela, MS Student (UTSA)

Successfully defended in Spring 2024.

Thesis title: ‘Urban environmental factors predicting site occupancy of owls in San Antonio, TX’

Rebecca Nishida, MS Student (UTSA)

Successfully defended Fall 2023. Now an outreach specialist for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Thesis title: ‘The effects of Bird City Texas on nature relatedness, environmental stewardship behavior, and other factors linked to nature engagement.’

Marina Zannino, MS student (UTSA)

Successfully defended Fall 2022. Now an environmental scientist consultant in New Orleans

Thesis title: ‘The impacts of rainfall and temperature on the breeding productivity and foraging of Great Blue Herons in southern Texas’

Eres Gomez, MS student (UTSA)

Successfully defended Summer 2022. Currently a Research Associate for The Urban Bird Project at UTSA

Thesis title: ‘Assessing anticoagulant rodenticide exposure to raptors in Texas using rehabilitation admissions, liver analysis, and human dimensions research

Amanda Lamberson, MS student (UTSA)

Graduated Spring 2022. Currently working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service

Thesis title: ‘Urban wild bird feeding: Impacts on avian abundance and diversity in Texas’