Dr. Nick Smeenk

Project Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates
Dr. Smeenk received his B.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. His doctoral research focused on assessment methods for wetlands in the Great Plains, including the development of the Nebraska Wetland Rapid Assessment Method and amphibian community ecology. Dr. Smeenk is a former Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Program Research Associate with the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership at The Ohio State University where he implemented research and conservation programs for state listed reptile and amphibians including the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, Spotted Turtle and Streamside Salamander and the federally threatened Eastern Massasauga. He is an Ohio Division of Wildlife Approved Herpetologist for the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, and Eastern Massasauga in addition to holding a federal recovery permit for the Eastern Massasauga. Dr. Smeenk is a Certified Wildlife Biologist (The Wildlife Society) and trained in ORAM, HHEI and QHEI assessment methods. He is excited to apply his research, statistical and spatial analysis, and T&E monitoring experience to support ecological survey, monitoring, and restoration projects in Ohio and beyond.