Erica Smithwick

Erica Smithwick is a Distinguished Professor of Geography at Pennsylvania State University, serving as Director of the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute (EESI) and Associate Director of the Institute of Energy and Environment (IEE). Her research focuses on landscape and ecosystem ecology, particularly disturbances such as wildfire and their impacts on socio-ecological resilience. She leads the LEAPS laboratory group, addressing climate change challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations. Key projects include the Visualizing Forest Futures (VIFF) initiative with the Menominee Tribal Nation and LandcapeU, advancing Food-Energy-Water nexus research. Dr. Smithwick has received major grants from NSF, NASA, and DOE, emphasizing transdisciplinary problem-solving.

• Affiliations: EESI Director, IEE Associate Director, Graduate Faculty in Ecology Program
• Education: Ph.D. in Ecosystem Ecology (implied through academic rank)

Research interests span climate change impacts, wildfire management, and sustainable land-use strategies, with global projects in Africa, China, and the U.S. Her work bridges science and policy, addressing conservation challenges in protected areas and agro-pastoral systems. Awards include a Fulbright Scholarship and multiple federal grants.

Recent publications highlight nature-based solutions for floods, rainfall variability, and mangrove monitoring tools. She actively engages in policy discussions on solar energy and relocation programs, emphasizing just transitions in environmental management.