prof. dr. ir. C. (Chris) Smit
Research interests
Research themes
I work on species interactions and consequences for the dynamics, biodiversity and spatial organization of natural communities. I typically use large-scale field studies in ecosystems where (large) herbivores play an important role (including temperate savannas, wood pastures, semi-arid steppes, temperate lowland forests, salt marshes, and riverine floodplains). I am much interested in facilitation, i.e. positive interactions between species, and how these interactions are shaped by the interplay of various (a)biotic factors. Furthermore, I work on how predators (including returning wolves, or invasive feral cats) as well as humans, directly or indirectly, affect prey behaviour, with potential cascading impacts on ecosystems (e.g. ecology of fear). I aim to contribute to the advancement of fundamental ecological concepts with relevance for conservation (e.g. rewilding).
Teaching activities
I am coordinator of the following courses:
- Research Skills Ecology & Evolution 2 (BSc, first year; formerly known as Flora and Fauna)
- Conservation Ecology Practices (MSc, Ecology & Conservation track)
I am involved in the following courses:
- Ecological Interactions (BSc)
- Research Project Ecology & Evolution (BSc)
- BSc thesis
- MSc colloquium
- MSc essay
- MSc research project
Supervised MSc students (research projects):
- Charlie Turlier (2023)
- Charel Jager (2023)
- Fanny Spikman (2023)
- Farah Kootstra (2023)
- Pieter Otten (2022)
- Hilbert de Groot (2022)
- Walter di Nicola (2022)
- Heleen Jansen (2021)
- Annemarie van Olst (2021)
- Jurre Terpstra (2021)
- Patrick Baan (2021)
- Marije Jousma (2020)
- Josefien Tankink (2020)
- Krissie van den Heuvel (2020)
- James Skinkis (2020)
- Jagua Lamfers (2020)
- Esther Swankhuizen (2020)
- Bernhard Budin (2020)
- Joe Churchill (2019)
- Evert Lambers (2019)
- Sterre Koops (2018)
- Sanne Moedt (2018)
- Annabet Galema (2018)
- Christina Lijclama a Nije (2018)
- Franck Luicxk (2018)
- Koen Brouwer (2017)
- Jelle Wichers (2017)
- Maarten Doornbos (2016)
- Puck Oomen (2016)
- Sanne Moedt (2016)
- Erik van Haeringen (2016)
- Marjanne Havinga (2016)
- Wypkelien van Gasteren (2015)
- Jildou Schotanus (2015)
- Martijn van der Ende (2015)
- Moniek Gommers (2015)
- Mark Eerkens (2015)
- Kasper Eising (2014)
- Aron te Winkel (2014)
- Kaylee van Dijk (2014)
- Nieck Kromkamp (2014)
- Jurjen Maris (2013)
- Rutger Steever (2013)
- Myra Boers (2012)
- Marycha Franken (2012)
- Marinka van Puijenbroek (2012)
- Annelies van Ginkel (2012)
- Rogier van de Blaak (2012)
- Tjitse op de Hoek (2012)
- Hidde Zemel (2011)
- Else Langbroek (2011)
- Judith Westveer (2011)
- Liesbeth Versteegde (2010)