IDAHO: Researcher receives Idaho NSF EPSCoR Research Award
A University of Idaho fire scientist is the recipient of the 2023 Jean’ne M. Shreeve Idaho NSF EPSCoR Research Excellence Award. Alistair Smith, professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences, received the award during the Idaho EPSCoR Committee Annual Business Meeting held at Idaho State University in Pocatello.
Smith, an internationally recognized leader in wildland fire science, is an expert in pyroecophysiology, a new sub-field of fire ecology that he termed in 2017 that focuses on understanding how fires affect trees, why some die and, when they survive, what happens to them. His team’s research has had a major impact on changing the understanding of fire ecology, especially in the face of more intense and frequent fires under climate change.
“Smith embodies the spirit of the Jean’ne Shreeve award by fostering innovative and collaborative research in fire science coupled with outstanding mentoring of junior scientists,” said Ginger E. Carney, dean of U of I’s College of Science. “His early career was supported by the EPSCoR program, and he has paid it forward by contributing to new EPSCoR initiatives, including the recently awarded $20 million EPSCoR Track 1 I-CREWS grant. Among his best qualities are the generous ways in which he supports colleagues at all levels. The university and state have greatly benefited from Smith’s contributions to research and training, and we are delighted to have such a respected colleague in the College of Science.”