Dr. Steve Smith: Associate Professor, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 3:00-4:00 pm, Koffler Great Room at ASA and Zoom
Plants play essential roles in human life, providing oxygen, food, materials, energy, shelter, fuel, medicine, beauty, and even stress reduction. Despite their importance, many of the plants we depend on remain poorly understood. Dr. Smith’s lecture focuses on selected plants that hold significant social, economic, and ecological value, yet are often overlooked. Each plant’s story reveals its biology, natural habitat, and long-standing relationship with people. By examining these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of how plants shape our world and daily lives. Some key questions can guide our discovery, including: How would a botanist classify and describe the plant? Where and under what conditions does it grow? What history exists between humans and this plant? How do people cultivate, manage, and use it today? Finally, why is the plant important now, and how might its role evolve in the future?