Jessica Smith

I am a joint PhD student based either at the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the University of Exeter, or the ESE at Paris-Saclay University. My research focuses on understanding the various factors that influence human perceptions of wildlife, using ring-necked parakeest as a focal species and a lens through which to explore broater patterns. Ring-necked parakeets evoke a range of diverse perceptions due to their charismatic traits and non-native invasive status in many European countries. 

My research adopts a novel interdisciplinary approach, drawing from ecology, conservation culturomics, animal behaviour and the social sciences. 

I am exploring people's perceptions using online surveys, interviews, cross-cultural comparisons and social media analyses. My goal is to inform more effective wildlife management strategies, improve public education and outreach, and help shape policies that promote coexistence while minimising conflict between people and wildlife in an increasingly urbanised and interconnected world.