Alumni Spotlight - Lisa Smith M'12

Bobcat Bulletin Alumni Spotlight highlights alumni who give back to Frostburg in some way - time, talent, treasure or any combination. This edition of Bobcat Bulletin features Lisa Smith M'12.

Current Occupation: Research Scientist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Why did you choose to attend FSU?

I chose to attend Frostburg because it had a strong wildlife graduate program, beautiful surrounding wild areas, and nearby snowboarding opportunities!

Which faculty and/or staff member influenced you as a student?

That's easy. Of course it's Dr. Tom Serfass! He was an excellent advisor to have on my side, and I am happy to say we still talk more than a decade later!

What is your favorite memory as a student?

I went to Walmart to purchase field supplies with Dr. Serfass. We happened to be in the aisle with kids' life jackets, and I told him I could fit in those life jackets. So we both put one on, except it turned out that Tom could not fit into a kids' life jacket. His shoulder started cramping up, and he was hollering at me to help him, but I couldn't stop laughing to the point of crying, so I was no help at all!

List any professional or personal accomplishments we can celebrate with you.

I was recently awarded our division's Excellence in Science award as well as runner-up for our agency's Employee of the Year. Another professional accomplishment is hiring another excellent Frostburg Alum, Kendyl Hassler '14/M'20, who I've had the pleasure or partnering with on many exciting research projects. Personally, I have competed in the Mongol Derby, the world's longest and toughest horse race in Mongolia, which was an adventure of a lifetime.

What advice would you give to a student currently studying your major?

Take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities you can find, explore the nearby areas and learn about the wildlife there (Finzel Swamp is excellent), and take some interesting classes outside the wildlife major, like GIS and stats.

Why do you give back time, talent and/or treasure to FSU?

To inspire others to work towards their dreams.

Tell us about a class or activity at FSU that has had a surprising effect on your life.

I took a lot of really great and interesting classes at Frostburg. I was one of, I believe 2 wildlife graduate students who took a graduate-level course in GIS, which was certainly not the norm at that time. That class has been essential for my career, and I still have my notes from that class to this day!

What is a cause dear to your heart?

I believe strongly in protecting our environment. I have been heavily involved in local creek cleanups in my community, coastal cleanups, and just picking up trash in my neighborhood. If everyone tries a little, we can make a big difference!

What do you do for fun?

I love to travel, ride horses, and go scalloping!

What three words can you use to describe FSU?

Wild, Wintery, and Wonderful