Wildfires are posing an increasing threat to natural resources in a variety of ecosystems in the southwestern United States. The problem has exacerbated through natural and human-caused changes in fuels and climate. The increasing challenges that land managers face with fire and fuels management are best addressed through science-driven management. My research incorporates issues directly relevant to fire management, including the ecological effects of wildfires, appropriate wildfire mitigation, and the ecological impacts and effectiveness of fuels management programs. I am also interested in broader issues surrounding fire and fuels management, including economics, policy, watersheds, and wildlife.

I teach a variety of courses for students in the School of Forestry and for fire management professional in continuing education programs. Incorporating the most recent research in fire science and ecology in these courses is critical so that students and professionals will be best prepared for the challenges they will face in fire management in the future. With knowledge of the broad implications of wildfire and fuels management, land managers should be able to make informed decisions that lead to ecosystem sustainability.

Education

B.S. University of California at Davis, 1998
Ph.D. Colorado State University, 2004

Contact Information

Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 October 2009 )