Rachel Smith

2024 – 2025 Global Change Research Fellow

Statement of purpose:

As a first-generation student, with a BS and an MS in Biology from Winthrop University (SC), I am driven by a passion for studying animals, particularly through the lenses of comparative anatomy and functional morphology. Growing up, I was fascinated by how humans have influenced both domesticated and wild animals. My academic journey has been dedicated to understanding how the skeletal biology of the animals around us have been influenced by anthropogenic change, providing insights that can inform conservation efforts and environmental policies. My goal is to contribute to the scientific understanding of these changes, advocate for sustainable practices that protect wildlife, and understand how animals will be affected by our rapidly changing world.

Description of research:

My research explores how humans influence mammalian anatomy through captivity, domestication, urbanization, and global climate change, focusing on why some species thrive in association with people, while others do not. By analyzing skulls in museum collections, I document the subtle morphological differences within and between species, aiming to uncover the factors that enable certain species, such as coyotes, to expand in an increasingly urbanized world, and others that struggle toward extinction. My goal is to inform conservation strategies and policy decisions by understanding the complex dynamics between nature and humanity. Bridging scientific research and public awareness, especially through SE CASC, I strive to promote sustainable practices that protect North America’s diverse mammalian wildlife.

Contact Information:

Email: RLsmit11@ncsu.edu

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Adam Hartstone-Rose (Department of Biological Sciences)