Schubot Seminar with Dr. Jen Smith on Microplastic Exposure in Birds
The Schubot Center was pleased to host Dr. Jen Smith, Assistant Professor at The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M-Kingsville, for a thought-provoking seminar titled “Understanding Species and Site-Specific Variation in Microplastic Exposure in Birds: Highlighting Issues of Environmental Justice”.
Held on Friday, November 8th, the seminar attracted a diverse audience, including trainees, faculty, and staff from the VMBS, ENTO, Toxicology program, EEB, and ECCB, as well as 60 members of the Zoo/Exotics/Wildlife Club who joined virtually.
The seminar also included insights into Dr. Smith’s interdisciplinary research approach, which combines avian ecology, human dimensions, and sustainable wildlife management strategies.
We thank Dr. Smith for her valuable contributions and all who joined us for this memorable seminar. Stay tuned for future events in the Schubot Seminar series!
Talk Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution, extensively studied in marine ecosystems, is relatively underexplored in terrestrial birds. Dr. Smith’s research focuses on understanding species-specific MP exposure in terrestrial birds, examining (1) traits associated with MP exposure, (2) potential exposure pathways, and (3) species that could serve as bioindicators of MP pollution. Through The Urban Bird Project, she investigates spatial variation in MP exposure in House Sparrows across diverse socioeconomic neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas, with an emphasis on environmental justice.
