Douglas Smith, Ph.D., will discuss “Yellowstone wolves: Restoring wildness to the world’s first national park” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the Freed Center. The talk, which is part of the Keiser Distinguished Lecture Series in Life Sciences at ONU, is free and open to the public.

Smith is a senior wildlife biologist in Yellowstone National Park. He is regarded as one of the world’s top experts in wolf biology. A leader in issues involving wildlife conservation and restoration, Smith has studied wolf restoration, recovery and management for more than 20 years. 

He has participated in a number of documentaries about wolves for National Geographic and the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) as well as other media. 

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Idaho, a master’s degree in biology from Michigan Technical Institute, and a Ph.D. in ecology, evolution and conservation biology from the University of Nevada.

The Keiser lecture series seeks to bring nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers to ONU to present lectures and interact with students. The series is named in honor of ONU alumnus and professor of biological sciences emeritus He is also a longtime member of the Ada Village Council.