Tamara Smith
AmeriCorps Environmental Education Engagement Specialist
Team Member Since 2026
Tamara is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Environmental Sociology. Her background includes studying animal behavior and acoustic communication in zebra finches and tree swallows, with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on animal behavior.
During her time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Tamara is working with the Native Plant Horticulture team, supporting educational experiences, and learning more about native plants. She is also serving with Ivy Academy, where she helps care for animals, assists in the greenhouse, and works with faculty to implement environmental education programs.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and reading.