“ Connect with nature every day, you get smarter in every way ”

Keynote Speaker, Environmental Consultant, and Educator

Dr. Cindy Smith is a sought-after public speaker and award-winning professor who blends her expertise as an environmental scientist with real-world application in her family business.

With her engaging wit and wisdom, she consistently brings smiles to live and online audiences while connecting people of all ages to the natural world, inspiring best practices and cultivating everyday awe through nature videos, photography, blogs, and more.

She has a unique ability to translate complex science to the public while at the same time guiding audiences on how to live more gently on our planet.

Speaking Topics

For News Media

  • Learn how (and why) to host a cicada watch party for the 2024 emergence

  • Plan a Cicada Olympics event for kids

  • Improve your power of observation in your own backyard

  • Reduce eco-anxiety

For Educators & Youth Leaders

  • How to host a Cicada Olympics event

  • Learn tools and strategies for engaging kids outdoors

  • Reduce eco- and climate change anxiety

  • Translate environmental research for the general public

  • Overcome bug bias and make insects entertaining

For Businesses

  • Overcome environmental bias and sustainability challenges

  • Provide framework for engaging in sustainability actions

  • Translate complex science topics for those with little or no science background

  • Develop effective community partnerships

Cindy in the News

“I’m impressed with Cindy’s ability to command the attention of students and community members of all ages. Her presentation style captivates attention and creates an open learning environment where everyone regardless of group size has the opportunity to fully participate. While hiking through a wetland for example, I watched Cindy locate a mass of toad eggs and spontaneously create the most riveting and memorable lesson, right on-the spot.

–Kim Hosen, Executive Director, Prince William Conservation Alliance

Teaching Awards

2021 George Mason University Teaching Excellence Award - High Impact

2019 Prince William Conservation Alliance Wildlife Champion - for creating outdoor education programs and talented visual storytelling which inspires people to take a closer look at nature.

2018 Prince William County VA Green Community Award - Directorship of enviro-stewardship activities.

2018 Seeds of Change Outstanding Community Partnership – In Collaboration with NoVA Outside for ongoing delivery of the SEAS event

2017 Prince William Chamber of Commerce Innovative Partnership of the Year – with PWC Solid Waste Division  

2016 Jack Wood Town Gown Relations - Watershed Education Program partnership initiative with Fairfax County Schools & Park Authority  

2012 The Virginia Mathematics & Science Coalition recognized Prince William County’s From the Mountains to the Estuary: From the Schoolyards to the Bay award as a “Program That Works“, an award that recognizes effective student and teacher educational programs.

In 2011 The Chesapeake Bay Education Partners (which includes PEREC) won Prince William County’s Business Partnership Award.

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“Her contagious curiosity invites others to see the world through her eyes. She finds unique and creative ways to connect others to the natural world. “

“ Cindy is like the McGyver of insects and twigs!”

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Connecting kids to STEM early broadens career awareness. These cat and livestock-loving elementary school students, mentored by Dr. Smith, were regional winners in the innovative national Exploravision competition. As they matured, they pursued careers as a Cybersecurity Analyst, a Medical School Resident and a Wall Street Financial Analyst. Read more