YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District announced the addition of Shane Smith as district technical educator.

Smith will provide resources and technical assistance on storm water and conservation education initiatives, including programs to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff from municipal operations, and encourage public involvement and volunteerism to improve water quality.

“Mahoning SWCD is extremely pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Smith,” Kathleen Vrable-Bryan, district administrator at Mahoning SWCD, said. “Dr. Smith not only has an illustrious education career, but he also brings a diverse background with a unique set of skills that complement the work we do here at the district. The district has gone a long time without a true educator, so we cannot wait to share with our community the programming that Dr. Smith is working hard to create.”

Prior to his role at Mahoning SWCD, he served as senior lecturer of STEM education and director of a graduate STEM teacher education program at Kean University in New Jersey. He was also a geology professor and instructor at universities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Smith earned a master of science in geology from New Mexico State University and a doctor of philosophy in geology from Washington State University.