Martin Smith

Martin Smith is a full-time Researcher in the Department of Human Development & Family Studies at the University of California, Davis. His work focuses on youth scientific literacy, nonformal education, and bio-security practices within 4-H programs.

Key Research Areas: Curriculum development for youth programs, professional development of 4-H volunteers, bio-security education in animal science exhibitions, and inquiry-based/experiential learning strategies. His projects often bridge environmental education, science engagement, and community-based practice models.

Grant Leadership: He has secured significant funding from the National Science Foundation, UC ANR Competitive Grants Program, and California Department of Food and Agriculture. His grants focus on capacity-building in 4-H science programming, animal disease traceability, and bio-security education.

Curriculum Development: Smith co-authored multiple 4-H youth curricula on veterinary science, pre-harvest food safety, sheep/swine perspectives, and water conservation. These resources are widely used by the National 4-H Council and UC ANR Communication Services.