Affiliate Researcher
Titles and Affiliations
Lecturer, Biology
Mary Ann Smith's research focuses on tree health in the context of environmental changes, particularly climate and soil microbiota. Smith investigates how variations in soil composition affect the biodiversity of these microbial communities. Additionally, as a founding member of the Penn State Commonwealth Arboreta Network, Smith works to connect researchers across the state. Their collaborative efforts aim to understand how Pennsylvania's warming climate will impact future tree health and biodiversity. Smith's work also contributes to NASA's Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program by sharing climatic data.