Emily Smith

PhD Title: Measuring and Maximising the Impact of Conservation Training

Emily is a current PhD student with DICE who started in February 2024. She completed her integrated Masters degree in Zoology with the University of Sussex in 2021, where her Masters research project investigated the impact of climate change on the emergence of ground beetles. 

In between completing her Masters degree and starting her PhD, Emily worked as a volunteer trainee warden with Kent Wildlife Trust and for Birda, a social media app for birdwatchers. 

Outside of her academic career, Emily is a keen wildlife photographer and birdwatcher. 

Emily’s research interests include the relationships between people and nature, the training of conservationists and how to evaluate conservation programmes to maximise their impact.

Supervised by Professor Bob Smith, Professor Zoe Davies, Professor Jim Groombridge and Dr Mike Hudson (Durrell, external supervisor).