Katherine Smith, Ph.D.
Katherine Smith is the Regional Administrator of the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers (SE CASC), one of the nine regional centers that form the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center network. This position was formerly known as "Center Director".
Dr. Katherine Smith works with university and federal scientists to provide applied, actionable science that helps stewards of fish, wildlife and ecosystems strategically adapt to changing conditions. Katherine brings 13 years of experience leading national and regional federal science programs. Prior to joining the CASCs, Katherine served as the Assistant Station Director of the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station where she provided research program direction and developed interdisciplinary research initiatives to inform land management and climate adaptation strategies. She has also worked with stakeholders and scientists to develop national research programs and agendas including the USFS Fish and Wildlife Strategic Program Area and the NOAA Habitat Assessment Improvement Plan. Dr. Smith received her Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia, her MS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management at Michigan State University, and her BS in Economics & Ecology at Tulane University. She began her federal career with NOAA as a Knauss Fellow in 2007 and was selected for the U.S. Forest Service Senior Leader Program in 2013.