Jan U.H. Eitel

Jan U.H. Eitel is an Associate Professor at the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources, based in the Department of Natural Resources and Society. He is affiliated with the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) and holds roles in research, education, and outreach. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. and M.S. in Natural Resources and Forest Resources from the University of Idaho, preceded by undergraduate studies in Forest Ecology and Management at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Research Interests: Eitel specializes in remote sensing applications, instrument development, and ecological processes. Key areas include LiDAR technology, biochemical cycling, precision agriculture, and geomorphology. His work bridges field measurements with advanced sensing tools to address environmental challenges, such as forest-tundra ecotone dynamics and snowpack impacts on wildlife.

Recent Research Trends: His publications emphasize integrating remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR, fluorescence, and spectral analysis) with ecological and climatic variables. Notable topics include tree physiology monitoring, snowscape navigation by wildlife, and early stress detection in forests. These studies often involve interdisciplinary collaborations and advanced sensor technologies.

• Awards: 2022 Swiss Federal Institute Fellowship, 2021 Donald Crawford Mentoring Award, 2020 Outstanding Faculty Advisor, 2017 Researcher/Teacher Awards (student/faculty nominated).

Advising & Grants: Eitel mentors graduate students (e.g., Maguire, Jensen, Schmiege) and leads projects funded by NASA and NSF, including studies on forest-tundra ecotones and Native American STEM education via UAV technology. He also contributes to K-12 outreach through MOSS, impacting 2,500 students and 200 teachers annually.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with institutions like NASA, the Swiss Federal Institute, and interdisciplinary teams focusing on LiDAR applications, ecophysiology, and snowscape ecology. Active in curricula development for remote sensing and environmental science.