Graduate Students
Andrea Brennan, PhD – van Eck Scholar
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Andrea argues that technology, ecology, and society are key considerations to the successful restoration of threatened tree species. Her research is focused on the butternut tree (Juglans cinerea), currently being attacked by the fungus that causes butternut canker disease (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum). In particular, she is evaluating the use of hybrid butternut trees as a potential restoration tool through disease screening, assessment of environmental tolerances, and evaluation of perceptions to the use of hybrid trees for restoration.
Bradley Graham – PhD
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jenkins
The primary objectives of Brad’s dissertation research are to quantify the carbon storage capacity of Central Hardwood Region forests by assessing remaining old-growth stands across the region and to investigate long-term changes in carbon storage reservoirs through repeated measurements.
Lilian Jacobo, MS
Principle Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Lilian is a new graduate student who joined us Fall 2017.
Meghan Mulroy, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jenkins
Meghan is looking at ecological effects of hemlock mortality from an exotic insect in the Smokies.
Rebekah Dickens Ohara, PhD
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Rebekah is pursuing a PhD in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, with a focus on the Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management. She is conducting a political ecology analysis of stewardship networks in North Kona and South Kohala, Hawai‘i Island through Stewardship Mapping and Assessment (STEW-MAP). Her research is focused on supporting the development of a community managed forest in North Kona, and exploring institutional best practices in collaboratively managed terrestrial systems.
David Ralston, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Saunders
David is a new graduate student who joined us Spring 2018.
Caleb Redick, MS – van Eck Scholar
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Caleb’s research will be focused on forest restoration, likely including mitigation of animal browsing damage of oaks and chestnuts.
Weston Schempf, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Wes is researching nursery stocktypes and vegetation management on mine reclamation success.
Tyler Stewart, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Ginzel
Tyler’s work mainly involves characterizing bark and ambrosia beetles associated with Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) symptomatic black walnut in the eastern US. He is trying to understand what roles these beetles, possible vectors of TCD, play in this system. He also monitoring black walnut health within these areas as well.
Emily Thyroff, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Emily’s research is focused on the ecophysiology of Quercus virginiana, live oak, in order to restore the hardwood species to maritime forests in the Southeastern United States. Live oak is a dominant species of maritime forests, which are ecologically important as soil stabilizers, habitat for wildlife and recharging limited freshwater.
Mariam Valladares, MS
Principal Investigator – Dr. Jacobs
Mariam is working on the effectiveness of forest protection levels in maintaining forest composition over time in Honduras
Geoffrey Williams, PhD – van Eck Scholar
Principle Investigator – Dr. Ginzel
Geoff’s interests include forest biometrics, community ecology, and management, with a focus on forest health and fungal ecology. He is currently researching Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), an emergent fungus-beetle complex which kills walnut (Juglans) trees when the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida is introduced to the inner bark by the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis). Specifically, he is looking at community interactions that may influence the severity of the disease and the physiological tolerance of G. morbida to stress such as desiccation of its substrate, e.g. dry walnut wood. You can learn more about Geoff’s past and current research on his website.