Jennifer Schmidt

Jennifer Schmidt, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage in the Department of Natural Resources Management and Policy. Her work focuses on socio-ecological systems, balancing conservation with societal needs through interdisciplinary research.

• Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from University of Alaska–Fairbanks (2007)
• Dual B.S. degrees in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and Genetics and Cellular Biology from University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (1999)

Research interests span human dimensions of wildlife, ecosystem services, GIS, climate change, and wildfire management. She integrates biological and social data while collaborating with stakeholders.

Recent publications highlight trends in Arctic wildfire risk assessment, FEW (Food-Energy-Water) systems, permafrost hazards, and community resilience. Her work spans 2015-2024 with emphasis on boreal and Arctic systems.

• NSF grants for SAFRR, EVITA, AURA, and Fire and Ice projects
• BLM and DOE funding for wildfire and energy research
• Montana State University CTRP collaborations for cancer education

She leads projects like Arctic Urban Risks and Adaptations (AURA) and Socio-ecological Fuel Treatments (SAFRR), while contributing to permafrost and wildfire hazard mapping initiatives.