Tyler Smith, PhD
Short Bio
I am a lecturer in the Department of Geosciences with a background in geoscience/STEM education research and environmental geology. I am interested in pedagogy, science communication, and field education. I enjoy the opportunity to talk with others about science and the world around us!
Teaching At Auburn:
- Dynamic Earth (GEOL 1100)
- Global Systems II: Land & Water (GEOG 1030)
- Concepts of Science (SCMH 1010)
Education
PhD - Earth System Science Auburn University 2024
MS - Environmental Geosystems Middle Tennessee State University 2018
BS - Geology Middle Tennessee State University 2016
AS Columbia State Community College 2010
Professional Experience
2025-2026: Postdoctoral Scholar - Auburn University
2024-2026: Instructor - Auburn University
2018-2019: Environmental Scientist/Geologist - AECOM, PM Environmental, CEC, Inc.
2005-2009: Environmental Field Technician - AquAeTer, Inc.
Innovation
1) Lanius, M., Wahid Cotton, B., Shepherd, S.L., Smith, T.G., McNeal, K.S., 2026, Faculty leadership in action: Insights from iterative redesign of a STEM instructional professional development program: American Journal of STEM Education [Manuscript accepted July 2026].
2) Smith, T.G., McNeal, K.S., 2024, Assessing motivations, benefits, and barriers of implementing virtual field experiences in geoscience-related disciplines: Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 72, no. 4, p. 438-449, https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2023.2258760
3) Tracy, C., Driessen, E.P., Beatty, A.E., Lamb, T., Pruett, J., Botello, J., Brittain, C., Ford, Ã.C., Josefson, C.C., Klabacka, R., Smith, T., Steele, A., Zhong, M., Bowling, S., Dixon, L., Ballen, C.J., 2022, Why students struggle in undergraduate biology: Sources and solutions: CBEâLife Sciences Education, v. 21, no. 3, p. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.21-09-0289
Engagement
G.U.T.S (Getting Under The Surface) - Auburn University, 2026
Destination STEM - Auburn University, 2019 & 2023-2025
Earth Day Extravaganza - Auburn University, 2022-2025
Geosciences Day - Auburn University, 2023
Professional Memberships
National Assoc. of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG)
American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
