Alexander Smart

Alexander Smart is a Professor and Senior Program Leader in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He is affiliated with SDSU Extension, focusing on agriculture and natural resources. His roles include academic leadership, research, and extension responsibilities in rangeland ecology and management.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy and Range Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2001)
• M.S. in Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1992)
• B.S. in Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1989)

Research Interests: Dr. Smart specializes in rangeland ecology, grazing management, invasive species control (e.g., eastern redcedar), soil health, and agroecosystem sustainability. His work integrates ecological principles with practical applications for sustainable land use.

Key Contributions:

• Authored/coauthored 25+ grants totaling over $5 million.
• Advances in goat-based biological control for invasive plants.
• Studies on drought resilience in grasslands and integrated crop-livestock systems.
• Evaluation of grazing strategies for ecosystem restoration.

Awards:

• Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Award (2009), recognizing his pedagogical excellence.

Advising & Outreach: Coordinates the USDA-SARE program in South Dakota, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. His work bridges research, education, and community engagement to address regional land management challenges.