Thomas Smith

Conducted surveys and monitoring for both native and invasive insects and diseases. Assisted landowners, homeowners, timber industry, local and tribal governments in identification and management options for forest and shade tree pests. Trained new foresters and environmental scientists on the recognition and management of forest insects and diseases. Produced reports and papers related to forest insects and diseases. Conducted basic research. Assisted in the hiring of new personnel for the unit. Collaborated with federal, state, local government and university personnel on forest pest issues. Presented information regarding forest pests in professional and public forums. Managed state and federal grants. Served in offices for non-profit, state and federal organizations representing the Unit, Department, Agency and State.

Conducted field research on the roles of forest insects and diseases in old-growth forests. Supervised two field technicians. Produced professional peer reviewed papers concerning the research. Used the research as the basis for my doctoral dissertation.

Worked as staff forester for forest health for the eastern half of North Carolina. Worked with state, federal, local, industry and university personnel in identification and control recommendations of forest and shade tree insects, diseases and other health issues. Trained new personnel in forest insects and diseases. Conducted basic research and control projects. Offered presentations to the public on forest health issues. Supervised one full-time employee.

Conducted laboratory and field research on hypovirulence as a potential biological control method for the chestnut blight fungus. Maintained and checked cultures for vegetative compatibility. Conducted field research on the incidence and compatibility of the chestnut blight fungus in natural oak stands and exotic Asian chestnut plantations.

Established, maintained and collected data from forest nursery bed, Christmas tree improvement, forest seed orchard insects, diseases, flower and cone development and fertilization studies. Maintained hardwood regeneration and pine and hardwood tree improvement test studies throughout the State of North Carolina.

Developed a method for predicting cone yield and quantifying insect and disease damage to cones and conelets in southern pine seed orchards. Used the method to compare different control strategies for insect and disease issues. Established, maintained and collected data from southern pine seed orchards and tree improvement progeny tests.