Matthew D. Hurteau

Matthew D. Hurteau is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of New Mexico, where he leads the Earth Systems Ecology Lab. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of California-Davis (2007). His research investigates climate change impacts on forest ecosystems through field studies and modeling, focusing on disturbance ecology, carbon dynamics, and adaptive management strategies.

Research Interests: Dr. Hurteau's work spans global change biology, wildfire ecology, and forest carbon management. Key themes include climate-driven shifts in species distributions, post-fire forest recovery, and optimizing treatment strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience under changing climate conditions.

Research Projects: He directs the long-term Teakettle Experiment in California studying prescribed fire/thinning effects, collaborates with the Santa Fe National Forest on treatment optimization, and investigates post-fire reforestation strategies. His lab develops spatial data products to inform land management decisions.

Students & Team: Actively advises PhD and MS students in forest ecology and ecosystem modeling. Current lab members include research professors and graduate researchers studying carbon dynamics, wildfire impacts, and species adaptation.

Grants & Outreach: Funded by CAL FIRE, Joint Fire Science Program, and others. Communicates science through op-eds (Washington Post, Santa Fe New Mexican), manager briefs, and educational videos on forest management.