The Doctorate of Philosophy in Sustainable Forest Management is intended for persons seeking careers in teaching and/or research. The program emphasizes strong research specialization while maintaining an understanding and appreciation of broader management and resource use issues. The dissertation and associated research play a dual role by enabling the student to develop in-depth knowledge of specific technical areas, while at the same time gaining experience in conceptualizing, planning, conducting, and reporting a major research project. PhD students choose from one of the six SFM areas of concentration.
Forest Operations Planning and Management
Planning, organizing, and executing forest plans; enhancing supply chain efficiency and improving international competitiveness
Contacts: Woodam Chung (Lead), Kevin Lyons, Francisca Marrs, Bogdan Strimbu, Heesung Woo
Forest Policy Analysis and Economics
Analyzing tradeoffs in the forest and resource policy decision process; public land use policy; interpretations of regulations; markets for forest products; forest certification; theoretical and applied research related to ecosystem services
Contacts: Mindy Crandall (Lead), Andres Susaeta
Forest Biometrics and Geomatics
Modeling tree and stand development; forest data sampling and monitoring methods; forest measurements and assessments; mapping and data management technologies
Contacts: Michael Wing (Lead), Temesgen Hailemariam, Jim Kiser, Bogdan Strimbu
Silviculture, Fire, Forest Health and Biodiversity
Manipulating site productivity and vegetation to achieve management objectives, from restoration to intensive timber production; fire ecology and fire management; forest ecosystem health
Contacts: Matt Powers (Lead), John Bailey, Chris Dunn, Carlos Gonzalez-Benecke, Jim Kiser, Jared LeBoldus, John Punches, Jim Rivers, Mark Swanson
Forest Soil and Watershed Processes
Understanding watershed conditions and processes in forested ecosystems and the effects of management activities; evaluating and improving soil and water quality and related practices and policies for forest operations
Contacts: Catalina Segura (Lead), Kevin Bladon, Jeff Hatten, Annette Patton, Georgia Seyfried
Engineering for Sustainable Forestry
Designing forest operations to achieve sustainable forest management objectives; ecological restoration operations; road design and construction
Contacts: Kevin Lyons (Lead), Ben Leshchinsky, Francisca Marrs, Michael Olsen, Catalina Segura, Michael Wing