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SUBMIT | Planet Forward Photo of the Month

SUBMIT | Planet Forward Photo of the Month

The Indigenous Correspondents Program

The Indigenous Correspondents Program

Wild Vermejo | Capturing the beauty and bounty of  New Mexico

Wild Vermejo | Capturing the beauty and bounty of New Mexico

Our Water Stories

Our Water Stories

Planet Forward in the Galápagos

Planet Forward in the Galápagos

Congrats to our 2025 Storyfest winners!

Congrats to our 2025 Storyfest winners!

Planet Forward Mystic Aquarium Summer Fellowship

Planet Forward Mystic Aquarium Summer Fellowship

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Planet Forward Opportunities

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Student Experiences

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Planet Forward Series Hub

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Kayla Smernoff

Planet Forward Correspondent | Columbia University, Howard University

Major / Minor: Journalism/Graphic Design

Graduation Year: 2026

Contributor

Kayla Smernoff is a graduate of Howard University’s journalism program, where she built a strong foundation in reporting, multimedia production, and visual and written storytelling from the Bay Area.
She is currently attending Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology.
Originally from the Bay Area, she grew up with a passion for nature and is now interested in how journalism and social science can work together.

Featured Story
Wild Vermejo | Conservationists are shouting research outcomes from the mountain tops in New Mexico

Conservationists at Vermejo Reserve in New Mexico are working with researchers to improve and share a growing knowledge of rangelands. Keep reading

Wild Vermejo | Conservationists are shouting research outcomes from the mountain tops in New Mexico

Stories

Wild Vermejo | Conservationists are shouting research outcomes from the mountain tops in New Mexico
Kayla Smernoff

Planet Forward Correspondent | Columbia University, Howard University

Wild Vermejo | The ground beneath your feet is alive
Kayla Smernoff

Planet Forward Correspondent | Columbia University, Howard University

Understanding the demographic discrepancy in park visitorship
Kayla Smernoff

Planet Forward Correspondent | Columbia University, Howard University

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