Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

05/26/2026

Congratulations to our alumni Ryan Brittenham and Elle Farina on their newly published article in Frontiers in Conservation Science: “Ecological grief: crying out for science on common ground.”

Their work explores the emerging field of ecological grief—the emotional response people experience in the face of biodiversity loss, environmental change, and the disappearance of meaningful landscapes. It’s a fascinating and increasingly important area of conservation science that connects ecology, psychology, and well-being in deeply human ways.

We love seeing alumni tackling innovative, interdisciplinary topics like this, and we’re excited to follow where this growing field of research goes next. Read the article via the link in our comments. Congrats again, Ryan and Elle!

Ryan (right) and Elle (left) were photographed during their semester in Endangered Species Conservation by fellow student Rin. 📸

05/22/2026

Today is International Day for Biological Diversity, a observance created to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the vast variety of life on Earth. Celebrated each year on May 22, the day serves as a reminder that healthy ecosystems, species diversity, and conservation efforts are deeply connected to our collective future.

At SMSC, biodiversity is more than a concept studied in the classroom; it is something our students engage with firsthand through research, fieldwork, and experiential learning opportunities.

Here in Virginia's forests, salamanders are a powerful example of that biodiversity in action. Among the most abundant vertebrates in many Appalachian ecosystems, they play an essential role in nutrient cycling and serve as sensitive indicators of environmental health. Studying species like these helps students understand the intricate connections that sustain forest ecosystems, and why protecting even the smallest forms of life matters.

05/22/2026

Last week, Advisory Board members, friends, family, and other champions of conservation gathered at the home of our Chair for a special afternoon celebrating the work and mission of our school. Set against a beautiful backdrop of nature, the event reflected so much of who we are as an institution: community, curiosity, and connection to the environment around us.

Guests had the opportunity to learn more about our programs and hear directly from two stellar students, whose personal stories highlighted the transformative impact of experiential learning and research opportunities. Student research posters were also on display, showcasing the breadth of innovation and inquiry taking place throughout our community.

The gathering was a reminder of the power of bringing people together around a shared commitment to education, conservation, and the future of our students.

05/21/2026

More CONS 440 students got a close look at a female American Kestrel during our field experience with wildlife experts. American kestrels may be North America’s smallest falcon, but they are fierce predators with incredible eyesight, able to see even ultraviolet light to help track prey!

This female has been nesting nearby and incubating eggs in her nest box while researchers monitor local kestrel populations and breeding success. Course participants learned how scientists carefully place identification bands on kestrels’ legs so researchers can track where the birds travel, whether they migrate, and how populations change over time.

Tiny falcon. Big personality. Incredible learning experience. ✨🪶

05/21/2026

Our exciting summer course, Field Skills in Ecology, is off to a terrific start! Students got an up-close look at American kestrel research following an overview by SMSC's Dr. Joe Kolowski, and a live demonstration by The Clifton Institute's raptor conservation technician Sylvia.

Course participants learned how researchers safely handle kestrels, take measurements, estimate age based on plumage characteristics, and apply identification bands used for long-term monitoring and conservation research. They also had the chance to observe safe handling techniques and experience these remarkable birds up close.

The American kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon, but also one of its most efficient predators. Kestrels can spot prey from surprising distances and are known for their signature hovering behavior while hunting.

Hands-on experiences like these connect classroom learning with real-world conservation research and wildlife management.

05/19/2026

Psychology + animal behavior + conservation 🌍🐒

This summer, explore social behavior, communication, parenting, cognition, and ecology through the study of primates—our closest living relatives. Examine how primates interact with each other, their environments, and an increasingly human-dominated world.

🗓 June 29–July 31, 2026
💻 Online | 5-week summer course
🧠 Ideal for students interested in psychology, behavioral science, animal behavior, evolution, anthropology, and conservation

From cooperation and conflict to infant care and group dynamics, primates offer powerful insight into the evolution of behavior, including our own. Open to undergrads and graduate students from any institution! George Mason University students, register now in Patriot Web.

05/18/2026

Complete one of our summer high school courses → unlock an automatic $1,500 scholarship for a future undergraduate semester-away program! 🌿✨

Your conservation journey doesn’t have to end when your summer course does—students who complete either program receive guaranteed funding to return later for an immersive undergraduate semester at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. When the time comes to study away with us in college, the $1,500 scholarship will automatically be applied—no separate application required.

Registration is still open for both of our high school courses, but spots are limited! Learn more and register on our website under the Programs tab.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to our spring undergraduate cohort on the completion of a fantastic semester with us! We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited to see where their passion for conservation leads next. 🌎💚

05/14/2026

A "classroom" unlike any other.

Here at SMSC, students have the rare opportunity to study in a setting where endangered species conservation, wildlife research, and environmental science are part of daily life.

It is an honor to learn alongside the work taking place at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute—one that shapes how students see science, conservation, and their role in the world.

This feature offers a glimpse into the remarkable campus we’re fortunate to call home:

At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, researchers work to protect species and their habitats from extinction.

05/08/2026

Undergraduates in our Endangered Species Conservation program wrapped up the semester by presenting original research projects tackling real-world conservation challenges. From studying how artificial light at night affects arthropods and how suburban deer populations shape forest vegetation, to using non-invasive methods to identify ungulate s*x from f***l samples, students explored the many ways science informs wildlife conservation.

Other projects investigated the diet and ecological benefits of American kestrels using nest box cameras, examined how nitrate and chloride pollution impact stream macroinvertebrates, assessed freshwater mollusks for the IUCN Red List, and analyzed activity and sleep patterns of giant pandas at the National Zoo.

It was an impressive showcase of scientific curiosity, fieldwork, and conservation-driven research. Congratulations to all of our student presenters on a strong finish to the semester! 🌿🦌🦅🐼

05/07/2026

Last week, we welcomed 20 professionals from zoos, universities, and research institutions across the U.S. and around the world for the 9th offering of our Practical Zoo Nutrition Management course! 🦒🥗

Led by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Department of Nutrition Science, the course explored everything from commissary design and management to diet formulation, evaluation, and problem-solving across the many animal species cared for in modern zoos.

Participants gained hands-on, behind-the-scenes insight into how nutrition and food are managed at the National Zoo through a mix of classroom learning and practical experiences.

Thank you to all NZP staff who helped make the course a success, along with guest instructors from EnviroFlight and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. We’re already looking forward to celebrating the 10th offering of this popular program in 2027! 🎉