Welcome to Flash Friday! This new series is where we meet Golden Flashes right where they are in their Kent State journeys. Follow along as we introduce you to fascinating Flashes from all walks of life.
Meet Brandon Smith, a senior zoology major at Kent State University from North Lima, Ohio. Smith quickly fell in love with research, while pursuing a lifelong passion for wildlife and the natural world. He plans to attend graduate school for wildlife research after the completion of his undergraduate degree.
Smith has garnered hands-on experience through winter education-abroad programs, first to South Africa and more recently to Costa Rica to participate in biological research projects in the field. He also traveled to Toolik Lake, Alaska, during Summer 2023 through the Kinsman-Costello Lab to support doctoral candidate Erin VanderJuegdt’s research efforts.
“I believe the most memorable moment from all of these experiences happened during my time in Alaska at the field station. I met a lot of great individuals from all walks of life, connecting with these people over our love and understanding [of] the natural world even though we had little in common otherwise,” Smith said.
Outside of his academics, Smith dedicates time to practicing anatomically accurate drawings of living organisms and playing League of Legends on the varsity Kent States eSports team.
“I've had many great people help me find what direction I want to take in life here at Kent State. However, one person who has really helped me find a great direction to go when it comes to my academics is Matthew Wuensch. He was my TA in Biological Diversity during my first semester here at Kent State during the height of COVID-19,” Smith said. “He helped me realize how many opportunities there are in biology. I then went on an education-abroad experience to South Africa with him. Matt has since been encouraging me to go to graduate school and helping me every step of the way.”
Interested in being featured in Flash Friday, or know someone who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.