Chris Smith

Chris Smith is a Professor and Department Head at the Biology Department, College of Arts & Sciences, Utah State University. His research spans interdisciplinary fields including evolutionary genetics, social insect biology, and agricultural technology.

• Evolutionary Genetics: Focus on caste determination mechanisms and Osiris gene functions in insects.
• Social Insect Biology: Analyzes ant superorganism dynamics, nutritional asymmetries, and social parasite evolution.
• Agricultural Technology: Develops computational models for meat yield prediction and carcass valuation.

Recent publications reveal trends in ant genomics, nutritional ecology, and advanced imaging techniques for agricultural applications. His work contributes to understanding genetic social evolution and improving meat industry precision tools.

Chris Smith maintains active affiliations with the Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and the Environment and Society Department at the Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, though these appear secondary to his primary role in the Biology Department.