Emily Zierdt Smith
About Emily Zierdt Smith
Emily Zierdt Smith is a biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in benthic invertebrate communities in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. She manages the USGS Benthic Laboratory and contributes to scientific literature while ensuring the quality of agency reports.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Emily Zierdt Smith has been employed as a Biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2018. She works in Menlo Park, California, where she manages the USGS Benthic Laboratory. Her role involves focusing on the benthic invertebrate community in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. She is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing studies that yield essential data on benthic invertebrates, which is crucial for resource managers.
Education and Expertise
Emily Zierdt Smith holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies, both completed between 2014 and 2018. Prior to her university education, she attended Skyline High School, where she focused on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technologies Pathway from 2010 to 2014. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in biological research and environmental management.
Background
Emily Zierdt Smith's academic journey began at Skyline High School, where she specialized in Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technologies. She then progressed to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she completed her dual degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. This educational trajectory has equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in her current role at the USGS.
Achievements
In her capacity as a Biologist at the USGS, Emily Zierdt Smith contributes significantly to the scientific community. She acts as a trusted reviewer for agency reports and data sets, ensuring the quality and accuracy of scientific information. Additionally, she is an author on various peer-reviewed journal articles, agency reports, data sets, and conference posters, reflecting her active engagement in disseminating scientific knowledge.
Research Responsibilities
Emily Zierdt Smith oversees the collection, processing, and sorting of samples in her role at the USGS. She is responsible for identifying the invertebrates present in those samples, which is a critical aspect of her research on the benthic invertebrate community. Her work provides valuable insights into the ecological health of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.