MBRACE Welcomes New Science Policy Fellow

Tue, 09/24/2024 - 04:33pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence (MBRACE) is excited to welcome Florida native Dr. Ashlynn Smith to collaborate in Gulf Coast research and restoration. Smith was selected as a Science Policy Fellow by the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program, developed to help scientists with research.

Smith’s passion for the outdoors comes naturally through her extensive work in environmental sciences and Gulf Coast ecosystems. Her background growing up in the Florida Panhandle has presented her unique access to the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants. 

“Being hosted by MBRACE through the Science Policy Fellowship means I will apply my passion for the Gulf of Mexico region and the knowledge I’ve gained through scientific research of ecosystem restoration and plant conservation while learning from an organization that excels at bridging the gap between scientific research and natural resource management and restoration. I learned much from MBRACE about meaningful collaboration and scientific communication in these first few weeks. They don’t take a unidirectional approach but instead share information and knowledge in a circular way,” said Smith. 

Smith recently obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Florida’s School of Natural Resources and Environment in August 2024. Her background encompasses work in restoration for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and as a rare plant conservationist and researcher for the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Her doctoral work highlighted shrub encroachment in wet prairies along the Florida panhandle, studying the impacts of shrub encroachment on groundwater, vegetation, and soil, resulting in methods to allow for favorable conditions. 

“As researchers, we know our data and results are useless without effective communication and outreach. We should also formulate research ideas and strategies based on input from local communities, management agencies, and policy itself. This fellowship will help me learn how to navigate and succeed at the interface of science and policy, hopefully making my future research more relevant and beneficial for the Gulf region,” said Smith. 

Dr. Kelly Darnell, Director of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) and MBRACE is thrilled to welcome Smith to the team and contribute to ongoing collaboration for coastal advancement.

“We look forward to Ashlynn’s impactful work during her fellowship with MBRACE that will benefit Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico region. This fellowship will also give her unique opportunities in the science-policy space and a unique perspective as an early-career scientist,” said Darnell.

The fellowship spans one year, allowing USM to collaborate with Smith and three Mississippi research universities. Smith’s goal is to continue to research the restoration of Gulf Coast ecosystems. 

This project was paid for with federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Treasury, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, or the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence.

Click here to learn more about MRACE and the research contributing to a positive and livable Gulf Coast ecosystem.