Forest Ecology & Silviculture

Forest ecology research focuses on the interactions between disturbance and abiotic factors and their influence on ecosystem structure and function. Current research projects include exotic disease effects on nutrient cycling, invasion dynamics of exotic plants following the restoration of native disturbance regimes, and modeling the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on IES invasion. Research on host colonization and mating behaviors of wood boring beetles will improving methods for detecting invasive species to improve the health, quality, and productivity of hardwood forests.

Silvicultural research focuses on improvement of growth and yields within intensively managed systems and the development of silvicultural systems that increase the range of variability within natural stands and/or emulates natural disturbance regimes.

Affiliated Scientists

Dr. Mike Saunders, Dr. Mike Jenkins, Dr. Matt Ginzel, Dr. Songlin Fei

Featured Publications