Faye Smith, PhD
Soil Scientist
Science Educator
Data Analyst
Consultant
About Me
Soil Scientist, Science Educator, Data Analyst, Consultant
I am an Environmental Scientist...
with over a decade of experience in soil science, which includes sustainability research, teaching, and stakeholder collaboration. Proven expertise in scientific writing, strategic planning, and conservation research, with a strong commitment to protecting natural resources and fostering sustainable land management. Adept at leveraging technical skills in field and lab work, GIS, bioinformatics, and spatial modeling to support basic research and evidence-based decision-making in agronomy and conservation.
- Residence Fayetteville, USA
- E-mail [email protected]
- Google Scholar Click to open
- Curriculum Vitae Click to open
- Transcripts Click to open
Peer-reviewed Publications
12Invited Talks
8Awards, Fellowships, and Grants
10Coffee Consumed
20,000Education & Experience
Over 10 years of digging in the dirt
Education
2020
Ph.D., Environmental Dynamics
University of ArkansasDissertation title: Using Soil Geospatial Properties and Environments to Explore Microbial Diversity
2013
M.Sc., Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of ArkansasThesis title: Long-term Residue and Water Management Effects on Soil Respiration and Soil Aggregate Stability in a Wheat-soybean, Double-crop System in Eastern Arkansas.
2011
B.Sc., Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences
University of ArkansasHonors; Cum Laude
Thesis title: Molecular and Phenotypic Comparisons of Salt Effects on Soybean Cultivars with Differential Chloride Uptake Capacities.
Employment and Research History
2023 - 2024
Soil Data Analyst
Soil Health Institute, Morrisville, NCManaged and coordinated data collection for large-scale soil health testing projects, including the Carbon Program and Soil Health Assessment with Truterra. Analyzed soil data to establish benchmarks
and supported strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing land management practices. Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure project alignment with conservation goals.
2021 - 2022
Postdoctoral Research
USDA-ARS, Pendleton, ORLed research exploring the genetic mechanisms of fungicide resistance in wheat pathogens using bioinformatics and genomic tools. Developed ecological maps to evaluate the impact of wheat farming practices on soil microbiomes, providing insights to inform sustainable agriculture policies.
2020 - 2021
Postdoctoral Researcher
USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MDDeveloped an R-based pipeline for designing SNP-based PCR assays to distinguish fungal variants causing boxwood blight. Conducted bioinformatics analyses to identify mitochondrial DNA differences, supporting the development of targeted pathogen management strategies.
2015 - 2020
Doctoral Research
University of ArkansasDesigned and executed a spatial ecology field experiment to investigate soil-microbe interactions and their connection to geospatial soil properties. Collected and analyzed large microbiome datasets using bioinformatics, R, and QGIS, producing insights into soil health and ecosystem dynamics.
2013 - 2014
Technical Assistant III
University of ArkansasContributed to soybean breeding research by purifying seed stocks, creating genetic crosses, and organizing seed inventories. Revised and published academic manuscripts, supporting advancements in crop genetics and breeding methodologies.
2011 - 2013
Graduate Research Assistant
University of ArkansasConducted field and laboratory experiments to measure trace gas emissions and soil physical properties in agro-ecosystems. Authored grants and scientific publications while managing field operations, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
2008 - 2010
Technical Assistant I
University of ArkansasPerformed laboratory research on plant genomics, including RNA and DNA isolation, data analysis, and hazardous material handling. Managed greenhouse experiments and supported biotechnology projects by compiling research findings into abstracts and presentations.
Teaching and Educational Development
2024 - 2025
Environmental Science Teacher
Springdale High School, Springdale, ARDesigned and implemented an environmental science curriculum for over 160 high school students, emphasizing sustainability and conservation practices. Mentored at-risk students through personalized recovery plans, improving academic outcomes and fostering engagement with environmental stewardship. Delivered interactive lessons that connected real-world environmental challenges to classroom learning.
Spring 2020
Instructor of Record
Biological Anthropology Laboratory - University of ArkansasLed two laboratory sections of approximately 30 students each, focusing on bone identification and anthropological studies. Adapted and implemented lab activities to enhance student learning and engagement. Provided individualized support for struggling students and successfully transitioned to remote learning platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fall 2017
Teaching Assistant
Plant Pathogenic Fungi - University of ArkansasFacilitated genetic analysis labs, including DNA extraction and PCR. Prepared culture media and laboratory materials to ensure smooth class operations. Managed the course's online Blackboard account, providing timely communication and resources to graduate students.
Spring 2016; Spring 2017
Instructor of Record
Environmental Science Laboratory - University of ArkansasDeveloped and delivered customized course materials, including handouts, lectures, and quizzes, for a hands-on environmental science lab. Supervised ongoing student experiments and provided one-on-one mentoring to enhance understanding. Created interactive online assignments and quizzes to improve student engagement and comprehension.
Spring 2015 - Fall 2015
Teaching Assistant
Introduction to Environmental BiophysicsDesigned the core curriculum for a newly developed course in environmental biophysics. Created lecture materials, quizzes, and tests aligned with course objectives.
Fall 2012
Teaching Assistant
Introduction to Soil Science LaboratoryPrepared and facilitated laboratory experiments on soil science topics. Organized and led outdoor field experiments to provide students with practical, hands-on learning experiences. Assisted students in applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Fall 2011
Instructor of Record
Introduction to Soil Science DrillProvided individual academic support to undergraduates tackling complex homework assignments. Graded assessments with detailed feedback to promote student success. Created an inclusive learning environment that encouraged active participation and problem-solving.
Publications & Presentations
Planting seeds of knowledge...
Publications
- Reardon, C., Klein, A., Melle, C., Hagerty, C., Klarer, E., Machado, S., Paulitz, T., Pritchett, L., Schlatter, D., & Smith, S. F. (2022). Enzyme activities distinguish long-term fertilizer effects under different soil storage methods. Applied Soil Ecology, 177, 104518.
- Runkle, B. R., Suvočarev, K., Reba, M. L., Reavis, C. W., Smith, S. F., Chiu, Y.-L., & Fong, B. (2018). Methane emission reductions from the alternate wetting and drying of rice fields detected using the eddy covariance method. Environmental science & technology, 53(2), 671–681.
- Brye, K. R., McMullen, R. L., Silveira, M. L., Motschenbacher, J. M., Smith, S. F., Gbur, E. E., & Helton, M. L. (2016). Environmental controls on soil respiration across a southern us climate gradient: A meta-analysis. Geoderma Regional, 7(2), 110–119.
- Alloatti, J., Li, S., Chen, P., Jaureguy, L., Smith, S. F., Florez-Palacios, L., Orazaly, M., & Rupe, J. (2015). Screening a diverse soybean germplasm collection for reaction to purple seed stain caused by cercospora kikuchii. Plant disease, 99(8), 1140–1146.
- Rogers, J., Chen, P., Shi, A., Zhang, B., Scaboo, A., Smith, S. F., & Zeng, A. (2015). Agronomic performance and genetic progress of selected historical soybean varieties in the southern usa. Plant breeding, 134(1), 85–93.
- Yoshikawa, Y., Chen, P., Zhang, B., Scaboo, A., Orazaly, M., Smith, S. F., & Jaureguy, L. (2015). Evaluation of natto soybean for agronomic and seed quality traits. Journal of Crop Improvement, 29(1), 40–52.
- Berger-Doyle, J., Zhang, B., Smith, S. F., & Chen, P. (2014). Planting date, irrigation, and row spacing effects on agronomic traits of food-grade soybean. Advances in Crop Science and Technology.
- Mayta, J., Chen, P., Popp, M., Dong, D., Wu, C., Zhang, B., Smith, S. F., & Scaboo, A. (2014). Break-even profitability for food-grade specialty soybeans. Agr Sci, 2, 01–11.
- Smith, S. F., & Brye, K. R. (2014). Carbon dioxide emissions as affected by alternative long-term irrigation and tillage management practices in the lower Mississippi River Valley. The Scientific World Journal, 2014.
- Smith, S. F., Brye, K. R., Gbur, E. E., Chen, P., & Korth, K. (2014a). Long-term residue management effects on soil respiration in a wheat-soybean double-crop system. Soil science, 179(3), 118–129.
- Smith, S. F., Brye, K. R., Gbur, E. E., Chen, P., & Korth, K. (2014b). Residue and water management effects on aggregate stability and aggregate-associated carbon and nitrogen in a wheat–soybean, double-crop system. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 78(4), 1378–1391.
- Holifield, S. F., Rodriguez, F. L., Cartwright, R. D., Chen, P., & Korth, K. (2011). Molecular and phenotypic comparisons of salt effects on soybean cultivars with differential chloride uptake capacities. Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, 12(1), 35–45.
Symposium Presentations and Invited Talks
- Smith, S. F. (2022). Paradigm changes and new frontiers in soil science [Invited talk, Soil Science Course]. Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA.
- Smith, S. F. (2019a). Wetland soils and climate change [Invited Oral Presentation]. Northwest Arkansas Wetland Ecology Tour – Society of Wetland Scientists.
- Smith, S. F. (2019b). Woolsey wet prairie sanctuary: A legacy of environmental restoration, outreach, and research. [Invited Oral Presentation]. National Council for Science and the Environment, Summer
Member Meeting. - Smith, S. F., Miller, D. M., & Savin, M. C. (2019). Spatial heterogeneity of soil properties and fungal diversity in a mounded wet prairie system [Oral Presentation]. Gamma Sigma Delta regional meeting.
- Runkle, B., Suvocarev, K., Smith, S. F., & Reba, M. (2016). Alternate wetting and drying as an effective management practice to reduce methane in Arkansas rice production [Poster Presentation]. Rice Technical Working Group.
- Smith, S. F., Suvocarev, K., Reba, M., & Runkle, B. (2015). Seasonal methane emissions in Arkansas flooded rice with alternative water management practices. [Oral Presentation]. American Geophysical Union.
- Smith, S. F., & Brye, K. R. (2012). Long-term residue- and water-management effects on soil respiration in a wheat-soybean double-crop production system. [Oral Presentation]. Lon Mann Cotton Research Station Field Day; Open House.
- Holifield, S Faye, Rodriguez, F. L., Cartwright, R. D., Chen, P., & Korth, K. L. (2010). Molecular and phenotypic comparisons of salt effects on soybean cultivars with differential chloride uptake capacities. [Poster Presentation]. American Society of Plant Biologists.
![A great podcast episode about pedology [soil science]!](https://sfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ologies.jpg)
Contact
Get in Touch
Get in Touch
Have a project in mind, a question about soil science, or just want to connect? Whether you're looking for collaboration, consulting, or research expertise, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out, and let’s start a conversation.