Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith is a Graduate Research Assistant at The Aquaculture Research Institute, focusing on public perceptions of aquaculture conflicts and contributing to statistical analyses for various NOAA-funded projects. Simultaneously, Nathan serves as an Economist at Ocean Associates, Inc., conducting literature reviews and analyses related to coral reef ecosystem services. Additionally, Nathan is a Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine, researching aquaculture risk perceptions. Previous roles include research positions at Conservation X Labs and the National Parks Conservation Association, where Nathan contributed to policy briefs and engaged in collaborative projects. Nathan also runs a woodworking business and has extensive experience in mentoring and environmental education, complemented by a solid academic background with degrees in Conservation Leadership, Philosophy, Economics, and Environmental Studies.