Dr. Selena Smith

Biography

Selena Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. Her research primarily focuses on paleobotany and plant systematics, with a particular interest in understanding the evolution of plants within their environmental contexts. She studies modern and fossil specimens, using a variety of techniques that include phylogenetic analysis, palynology, and synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy, to explore the anatomy and morphology of monocots and their evolutionary history. Smith aims to elucidate the ecological roles of plants in ancient environments and contribute to the field through innovative research methodologies. She earned her Ph.D. in Systematics and Evolution from the University of Alberta in 2007, and a B.Sc. with Honors in Evolutionary Biology from the same institution in 2002. Smith is committed to advancing knowledge in paleobotany and providing insight into the evolution of key flowering plant groups, such as grasses and orchids.

Research Interests