Research Interests 
curriculum development, educator professional development, communities of practice, lesson study, nonformal science education, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, bio-security education, environmental education

Selected Publications 

Smith, M. H., Smith, W. A., Meehan, C. L. (In press). Advancing bio-security at home and the fair: A youth-focused community and citizen science project in California 4-H. California Agriculture.

Smith, M. H., & Meehan, C. L. (In press). Animal Welfare Proficiencies in 4-H. Youth Curriculum. Davis, CA: University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Kozlowski, K., Bain, M., Meehan, C. L., & Smith, M. H. (In press). A ‘Fear-Less’ Approach to Understanding Dogs, their Care, and Training. Chevy Chase, MD: Youth Curriculum. National 4-H Council.

Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Worker, S. M., & Smith, M. H. (2019). Lesson study model of 4-H professional development: Data-driven improvements to educator practice. Journal of Youth Development, 14(1), 131-154.

Young, J. C., Alexander, J., & Smith, M. H. (2013). A partnership model for training episodic environmental stewardship 4-H volunteers. Journal of Extension, 51(2), 2IAW6.

Smith, M. H. (2013). Findings show lesson study can be an effective model for professional development of 4-H volunteers. California Agriculture, 67(1), 54-61.

Smith, M. H., & Schmitt-McQuitty, L. (2013). More effective professional development can help 4-H volunteers address need for youth scientific literacy. California Agriculture, 67(1), 47-53.

Smith, M. H., Worker, S. M., Heck, K. E. (2012). 4-H boosts youth scientific literacy with ANR water education curriculum. California Agriculture, 66(4), 158-163.

Smith, M. H., & Meehan, C. L. (2012). Assessment of bio-security risks associated with 4-H animal science exhibition practices in California. Journal of Extension, 50(3), 3FEA10.

Heck, K. E., Barnett, C. C., Carlos, R. M., & Smith, M. H. (2012). 4-H participation and science interest in youth. Journal of Extension, 50(2), 2FEA5.

Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Smith, M. H., & Young, J. C. (2011). Preparing volunteers to meet the developmental needs of youth audiences. Journal of Extension, 49(1), 1IAW1.

Porter, R., Guarienti, K., Brydon, B., Robb, J., Royston, A., Painter, H., Sutherland, A., Passmore, C., & Smith, M. H. (2010). Improving student lab report writing through teacher-led interventions. The Science Teacher, 77(1), 43-48.

Smith, M. H., Meehan, C. L., & Dasher, H. S. Engaging volunteers to inform curriculum development in 4-H. (2009). Journal of Extension, 47(1), 1IAW3.

Robins, L. I., Villagomez, G., Dockter, D., Christopher, E., Ortiz, C., Passmore, C., & Smith, M. H. (2009). Teacher research: Challenging our assumptions. An investigation into student understanding of the gas laws. The Science Teacher, 76(6).