Curator

Smith is the founder of Gryffin Studio, a platform she established to showcase her thesis work in Museum Studies and other work. Through this platform, she aims to educate, advocate, and entertain, with a focus on public health in environmental science, particularly in relation to water.

“At Gryffin Studio, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between science and art, uncovering the captivating stories of our planet’s most vital resource- water. Through meticulous research, creative exploration, and a deep respect for both scientific and artistic processes, we aim to inspire curiosity, foster understanding, and encourage engagement, while celebrating the beauty and complexity of the watery world around us.”

Smith has worked closely with The Potomac Riverkeeper Network in the Washington D.C. area. She will soon be re-locating to Birmingham, Alabama, to work with The Cahaba Riverkeeper Network.

In addition to water specific endeavors, Smith performs freelance exhibition curation and design. Currently, Smith is guest curating and designing an exhibition set to open in December 2025 at The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut. She recently curated a piece in collaboration with the City of Alexandria Commission for the Arts and The Torpedo Factory, which was exhibited at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. This project involved identifying a local artist, coordinating loan agreements, and managing the transportation of the artwork.

Smith founded Gryffin Bibliophile Conservatory (GBC) in 2020 while living in Tampa, Florida, curating books and thematic gifts with rotating themes. She designed and managed the GBC website on Squarespace and operated the store out of Anderson House, a historic Tampa mansion. Smith led marketing campaigns through social media and collaborated with local authors to promote new novels. Upon relocating to Alexandria, Virginia, she rebranded her business as Gryffin Conservatory & Conservancy (GCC) to reflect her academic and community-focused projects.

Through GCC, Smith served as a liaison between community groups focused on clean water science, conservation, advocacy, and recreation. These partnerships included The National Park Service, The Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Alexandria Community Rowing, and The Sailing Club of Washington. She formerly managed the social media accounts for Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Alexandria Community Rowing, and The Sailing Club of Washington, as well as the website, blog, and social media for GCC and Gryffin River Shack.

As part of Gryffin River Shack, a gift shop she curated for GCC, Smith worked as a crafting artist, creating garlands, wreaths, and sculptures made from oyster shells. These pieces, sourced through collaborations with local businesses, sparked conversations and educated the public on water science, conservation, and community initiatives.

Registered Nurse

With twelve years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Smith has honed exceptional customer service and collaboration skills. She interacts daily with a diverse range of individuals, including patients, family members, physicians, peers, vendors, and other healthcare professionals, both in person and through digital communication channels such as email and patient portals. Smith is dedicated to patient education, using both conversation and hands-on demonstrations to ensure understanding. She has trained Registered Nurses, Scrub Technicians, Medical Assistants, and Physician Residents and Fellows. Throughout her career, Smith has quickly adapted to and mastered new technologies while transitioning between top-ranked Magnet-designated Level I trauma centers. Her ability to multitask in high-pressure situations, maintain professionalism, and communicate clearly allows her to resolve challenges swiftly and effectively.

Professional Affiliations/Teams

American Alliance of Museums; Alexandria Commission for the Arts- Commissioner, Representing Public at Large & Arts Consumers. Former Social Media Director; Alexandria Community Rowing- Former Social Development Coordinator & Social Media Director; Association of Operating Room Nurses; Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center; Critical Care Registered Nurses Association; George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Gryffin- Founder & Operator; Harvard Club of Boston ; Harvard Club of Washington DC; Harvard Museums- Art, Natural History, Scientific Instruments; Houston Museum of Natural Science; Medstar Medical Group Heart & Vascular- EP Surgical Liaison; Medstar Washington Hospital Center- EP Lab; New England Museum Association; Occoquan Boat Club; Opal Music Studio- Cello; Potomac Riverkeeper Network; Sailing Club of Washington- Former Social Media Director; Tampa General Hospital- CVTOR, VICU; Tampa General Hospital- Infectious Outbreak Team; Tampa General Hospital- FEMA Team, Hurricane Irma; Waterkeeper’s Alliance