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Justin RichardsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soil Biogeochemistry
• Trace Metal Cycling
• Environmental Pollution
• +1 more

Justin Richardson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia conducting cutting-edge research in soil biogeochemistry. His work focuses on trace metal and nutrient cycling dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems, employing advanced analytical techniques including x-ray fluorescence, mass spectrometry, and isotopic analysis to investigate natural and anthropogenically disturbed environments across the eastern United States. Richardson's research aims to ensure sustainable element cycling in forests and agricultural systems while protecting ecosystem and human health from toxic element exposure. His primary research interests encompass soil biogeochemistry, trace metal cycling, environmental pollution, and soil chemistry. Richardson investigates the movement of elements between geological materials, soils, water, and biological systems, with particular emphasis on urban-forest interfaces, watershed-scale processes, and legacy pollution impacts. His methodology integrates field studies with laboratory analyses to address critical challenges in soil health assessment and contaminant management. Analysis of Richardson's 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on urban soil contamination, nutrient dynamics in temperate forests, and anthropogenic impacts on biogeochemical cycles. His work spans diverse spatial scales from microcosm experiments to watershed-level assessments, frequently examining trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As) in urban forests, riparian zones, and agricultural lands. Key methodological approaches include portable XRF soil analysis, spectral reflectance techniques, and multi-element mass spectrometry. Richardson maintains an active research laboratory applying advanced instrumentation for solid and aqueous phase analysis. His team investigates sustainable soil management practices, pollution mitigation strategies, and the fundamental processes governing element cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, with field sites spanning from New England to the Mid-Atlantic region.

• Invasive Plants
• Drought-tolerant Ornamentals
• Native Plants
• +7 more

Mike Schnelle is a Professor and Extension Specialist for Ornamental Floriculture at Oklahoma State University's Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, part of the Ferguson College of Agriculture. He holds a 100% Extension appointment, focusing on Oklahoma's greenhouse and nursery industries. His work spans ornamental plant materials, invasive species management, and international horticultural collaborations. Education: PhD in Horticulture, Colorado State University (1986–1989) MS in Ornamental Horticulture, Kansas State University (1984–1986) BS in Agriculture, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Invasive plant management Drought-tolerant ornamentals Native plants and their applications Edible landscaping International horticultural outreach Landscape and greenhouse IPM Grants & Projects: Investigating Goji Berry and Seaberry as Ornamental and Edible Crops (2023–2025) Tapping Value from Oklahoma Maples (2023–2025) Exploring Alternative Maple Species for Syrup Production (2022–2025) Oklahoma Landscape Plant App Development (2022–2025) Awards: Over 40 awards since 1990, reflecting contributions to extension, research, and international collaboration. Teaching & Service: Course instructor for Master's Research and Thesis, Advanced Horticultural Problems Committee roles: Academic Standards, Inclusion Excellence Advisory Board, and Departmental Reappointment/Tenure International collaborations in over 15 countries, including Azerbaijan, Nepal, and Mexico Labs & Teams: Active in the School of Global Studies and Partnerships since 2012 as a faculty member, and a Fulbright Specialist Candidate since 2014.

Billy ThomasView profile

Lecturer

• Forest Health
• Private Forest Management
• Economic Impact Analysis
• +4 more

Billy Thomas is an Extension Forester Staff member at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. He contributes to the Social Sciences Team within the Forest Health Research and Education Center and leads initiatives such as the Kentucky Forestry Economic Impact Reporting, Forestry Webinar Series, and Kentucky Master Woodland Stewards Program. As an educator, he serves as Editor of Kentucky Woodlands E-News and Associate Editor of Kentucky Woodlands Magazine . M.S., Forestry, University of Kentucky, 1999 B.S., Forestry, University of Kentucky, 1997 His research and extension work focus on non-industrial private forest issues, woodland owner education, and the intersection of environmental policy with economic and social dimensions of forestry. He teaches two courses: Forests and Forestry (FOR 100) covering forest growth and management, and Human Dimensions of Forestry and Natural Resources (FOR 400) addressing societal trends, globalization, and urbanization's impact on natural systems. Billy Thomas's publications highlight trends in forest health, economic impacts of non-traditional forest products (e.g., maple syrup), invasive species management (e.g., emerald ash borer), and reclamation of surface-mined lands. His work often integrates geospatial and web-based technologies for woodland management education.

Seanna L. AnnisView profile

Associate Professor

• Mycology
• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Genetics
• +7 more

Seanna L. Annis is an Associate Professor of Mycology and the Director of the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine, within the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. Her work is supported by the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She divides her time between teaching (50%), research (38%) on fungal pathogens of wild blueberries, and Cooperative Extension activities (12%). She is based in Murray Hall and Deering Hall in Orono, ME. Dr. Annis's research focuses on the genetic diversity, physiology, and molecular biology of fungal pathogens affecting lowbush blueberries, with major emphasis on mummy berry disease ( Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi ) and Valdensinia leaf spot ( Valdensinia heterodoxa ). Her work extends to food safety, including identifying fungal contaminants in maple syrup and developing control methods. She has developed disease forecasting systems using a network of 15 internet-connected weather stations to help growers manage infection risks. Her research also evaluates organic and low-risk disease control methods. Her recent publications span topics such as organic blueberry management, fungal disease control, molecular diagnostics for amphibian chytrid, and mycotoxin biosynthesis. Collectively, her work reflects a strong integration of molecular biology, field pathology, and practical agricultural extension, with consistent support from experiment station funding. Using peer discussion facilitated by clicker questions in an informal education setting: enhancing farmer learning of science Efficacy of organically acceptable materials for control of mummy berry disease on wild blueberries in Maine Organic wild blueberry research and extension in Maine Organic Production of Wild Blueberries. I. Insects and Disease Organic Production of Wild Blueberries II. Fertility and Weed Management Organic Production of Wild Blueberries III. Fruit Quality Variation of mummy berry blight in clones of lowbush blueberry: effects on yield and relationship to bud phenology Stem and leaf diseases and their effects on yield in Maine lowbush blueberry fields Physiology of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis , a chytrid pathogen of amphibians A DNA-based assay to identify Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians Infection and colonization of peanut pods by Aspergillus parasiticus and the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes in infection hyphae Novel procedure for identification of compounds inhibitory to transcription of genes involved in mycotoxin biosynthesis Dr. Annis has not listed any formal scientific awards in the provided text. She advises graduate students but is currently not accepting new ones until after 2027. Her grants and research are primarily supported through the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension, indicating sustained institutional funding for applied agricultural research. She leads a research laboratory focused on fungal pathogens of blueberries and food molds. Her team engages in physiological, molecular, and field-based studies, working closely with blueberry growers through extension services. The lab implements real-time disease forecasting tools and evaluates organic management strategies, functioning as an integrated research and outreach unit.

Maria CorradiniView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Quality
• Food Safety
• Food Authenticity
• +7 more

Maria Corradini is an Associate Professor and Arrell Chair in Food Quality at the Department of Food Science, University of Guelph. Her work focuses on developing protocols and mathematical models to assess food quality and safety across supply chains. She holds affiliations with Ontario Agricultural College and has collaborated internationally in Argentina, China, and the U.S. Education: MSc and PhD in Food Science from University of Massachusetts – Amherst. Previous positions include Assistant Research Professor at Rutgers University and faculty at Universidad Argentina de la Empresa since 2008. Research interests include food photophysics, modeling non-linear kinetics, and data integration. Notable projects involve fluorescence fingerprinting for detecting food fraud (e.g., maple syrup adulteration), 3D food printing to reduce waste, and acrylamide reduction in baked goods. She has authored over 115 peer-reviewed articles and educational kits promoting STEM. Awards: Fulbright Scholarship, Monica Mourier de Archibald Scholarship, ArgenInta Award Grants: Principal investigator/co-PI on international food safety projects Labs/Teams: Leads research on food quality prediction using luminescence and digital twins, collaborating with industry partners to implement safer food practices.

• Forest Ecology
• Quantitative Ecology
• Coastal Ecology
• +3 more

Lu Zhai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management at Oklahoma State University. His research focuses on enhancing plant resource sustainability under climate change through integrated approaches involving vegetation modeling, stable isotopes, and remote sensing. Zhai holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Miami (FL, USA), a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Miami, a Master’s in Forestry from Texas A&M University, and a B.S. in Forestry from Nanjing Forestry University (China). His research interests include forest ecology, functional plant ecology, quantitative ecology, coastal ecology, and stable isotope ecology. He has led and contributed to multiple grants, including projects on avian migration modeling, drought impacts on Oklahoma forests, and alternative maple species for syrup production. Zhai teaches courses such as NREM 3123 – Forest Measurements I , NREM 5073 – Modeling Ecosystem Processes and Species Distributions , and supervises graduate and undergraduate research. His lab, the Zhai Lab, investigates climate adaptation strategies for vegetation and ecosystem resilience. Recent publications address structural diversity’s role in forest productivity under drought, tree mortality patterns, and invasive species management. Zhai collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining mathematical modeling, field experiments, and remote sensing to address ecological challenges. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 6 (Clean Water).

• Silviculture
• Forest Management
• Forest Regeneration Practices
• +3 more

Jamie Schuler is a Professor of Silviculture at West Virginia University (WVU), where she serves as Program Coordinator for WVU Forests. She coordinates management, research, and teaching activities across WVU’s 8,000+ acres of forestland, with a focus on sustainable forestry practices. Education: B.S. in Forestry, SUNY-ESF M.S. in Forest Management, SUNY-ESF Ph.D. in Forestry, North Carolina State University Research Interests: Intensive forest management Regeneration practices Plantation establishment strategies Bio-feedstock production Mine reclamation Sugarbush management and maple syrup production Her publications highlight innovative approaches to forest ecology and management, including natural regeneration dynamics, geospatial applications in forestry, and reclamation of disturbed lands. Dr. Schuler also leads the Forest Resources Management Summer Camp Program, integrating research and teaching. Contact: jamie.schuler@mail.wvu.edu | 343B Percival Hall | (304) 293-3896

Fabio GennarettiView profile

Professor

• Dendroecology
• Dendroclimatology
• Forest Ecophysiology
• +5 more

Fabio Gennaretti is a Regular Professor and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Dendroecology and Dendroclimatology at the Forest Research Institute (IRF) at University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda Campus. His interdisciplinary research bridges forest ecophysiology, mechanistic modeling, and dendroclimatology to understand forest ecosystem responses to climate change and disturbances across multiple spatial scales. Dr. Gennaretti's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biology, UQAR (2014) M.Sc. in Conservation and Restoration of the Forest Environment and Soil Protection, Università degli studi della Tuscia, Italy (2008) B.Sc. in Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy (2006) Postdoctoral fellowship in ecological modeling, INRA - Grand Est, France (2017-2019) Postdoctoral fellowship in ecological modeling and paleoclimatology, CEREGE, France (2015-2017) His research spans multiple scales of forest ecosystem analysis. At the stand level, he investigates carbon fluxes, stable isotopes, and water cycle dynamics in forests. At landscape scales, he examines plant successions and ecosystem transformations, particularly following fires. Regionally, he studies climate variability and its forcings (especially volcanism) through climate reconstructions using biological archives (tree rings) and climate scenario modeling. His work demonstrates sophisticated expertise in ecophysiological modeling (particularly with MAIDEN and MuSICA models) and in the joint analysis of multiple tree-ring traits including width, density, and stable isotopes. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on boreal forest responses to climate change, with particular attention to water dynamics, species interactions, and disturbance impacts. His research integrates dendroecological methods with advanced modeling approaches to understand past, present, and future forest ecosystem functioning. Key themes include climate reconstruction using tree rings, forest responses to drought, fire ecology, mining site restoration, and the physiological mechanisms underlying tree responses to environmental stressors. His scientific recognition includes holding the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Dendroecology and Dendroclimatology, reflecting his significant contributions to understanding forest responses to environmental change. As an active mentor, Dr. Gennaretti supervises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across various projects related to forest ecology and climate change. His current advisees include doctoral candidates Lucie Barbier, Samuel Bouchut, Elsa Dejoie, Oloruntobi Gideon Olugbadieye, and Ana Verhulst-Casanova, as well as Master's student Audrey Demers. He also co-advises several students and mentors trainees and interns, demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of forest scientists. Dr. Gennaretti leads research within the Forest Research Institute at UQAT, collaborating with various researchers and institutions on projects examining forest responses to environmental change. His work integrates field measurements, laboratory analyses, and sophisticated modeling approaches to understand forest ecosystem dynamics across temporal and spatial scales, making significant contributions to both theoretical and applied forest ecology.

Eric T. JonesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nontimber Forest Products
• Ethnobotany
• Cultural Mapping
• +2 more

Eric T. Jones serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in the Forest Ecosystems and Society Department at Oregon State University. He teaches graduate courses on human dimensions of sustainable natural resource management, focusing on nontimber forest products, cultural traditions, and ecological systems. Jones leads interdisciplinary research on maple sugaring in the Pacific Northwest, collaborating with small agricultural businesses. His research portfolio includes agroforestry, resource stewardship, traditional ecological knowledge, community-based natural resource management, and sensory evaluation of wild foods. He advises graduate students Elizabeth Davis and Doliah Francis. His work integrates anthropological methods with practical applications in forest management and sustainable harvesting practices, emphasizing community engagement and cultural preservation.

Aaron WightmanView profile

Researcher

• Agroforestry
• Sustainable Forestry
• Food Science
• +3 more

Aaron Wightman serves as a Senior Extension Associate and Statewide Maple Specialist at Cornell University, co-directing the Cornell Maple Program. He is also a PhD candidate in Natural Resources and the Environment. His affiliations include managing the Arnot Teaching and Research Forest's 7,500-tap sugarbush and laboratory. Education: Bachelor of Arts, Cornell University (1997) Master of Forestry, Virginia Tech (1999) Current PhD candidate, Cornell University (Natural Resources and the Environment) Research interests focus on sustainable maple syrup production, agroforestry systems, microbial control in sap, and novel maple products like kombucha and sports drinks. His work emphasizes economic viability for rural communities and environmental stewardship. Recent articles highlight innovations in value-added maple products, energy-efficient processing, and interdisciplinary collaborations in brewing and sports nutrition. This reflects a broader trend toward diversifying maple industry applications and improving sustainability metrics. Advising and grants: As a PhD candidate, Wightman contributes to research projects but no specific advisees or grants are listed. His work is supported by Cornell’s Agricultural Experiment Station. Labs/teams: He oversees operations at the Arnot Forest sugarbush and collaborates with the Cornell Maple Program team to advance industry practices and technologies.

Caleb GibsonView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• +3 more

Caleb Gibson serves as the Billie Sue Hurst Professor of Chemistry within the Biology & Biochemistry Department at Emory & Henry College. An Appalachian native from northeast Tennessee, he embodies the liberal arts tradition through his dual background in chemistry and philosophy, focusing his scholarly work at the chemistry-biology interface with strong environmental relevance to the Appalachian region. Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Philosophy from Carson-Newman University Dr. Gibson’s research program centers on applying chemical techniques to biological questions with distinct Appalachian environmental applications. His current work involves quantifying antioxidants in wild Appalachian mushrooms and conducting detailed chemical analyses of small-farm maple syrups from West Virginia, investigating how production variables like sap collection timing and maple species affect antioxidant profiles and flavor characteristics. This regionally focused research bridges fundamental chemistry with practical environmental and agricultural questions. His recent publications demonstrate a cohesive research trajectory examining natural products in Appalachian food sources, particularly maple syrup. Through student collaborations, he has developed innovative undergraduate teaching laboratories while systematically analyzing how production variables influence syrup chemistry. This work establishes meaningful connections between chemistry education, analytical methodology development, and regional agricultural science. Dr. Gibson actively mentors undergraduate students in hands-on research projects, integrating them into his investigations of natural product chemistry and environmental analysis. His scholarly output appears in regional academic proceedings and national conferences including the American Chemical Society meetings, demonstrating commitment to both student development and scientific contribution despite limited mention of formal grant funding. Based in McGlothlin-Street Hall, his research team operates at the intersection of classroom and field work, collecting and analyzing local natural resources like wild mushrooms and maple syrup to understand their chemical properties and potential health benefits within the Appalachian context.

Paul SibleyView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Toxicology
• Water Quality
• +4 more

Paul Sibley is a Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on disturbance ecology of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with expertise in aquatic and sediment toxicology, ecological risk assessment, and benthic invertebrate community ecology. He holds a BSc(Hons) and MSc from the University of Guelph, and a PhD from the University of Waterloo. His work addresses pesticide impacts on freshwater ecosystems, neonicotinoid toxicity to aquatic invertebrates, and the ecological consequences of forest harvesting and invasive species like the emerald ash borer. He leads projects such as the CREATE Great Lakes Training Program and collaborates on studies involving gold mining impacts and biosolids in agroecosystems. Key research trends include advancing understanding of pesticide mixtures' effects on aquatic communities and developing standardized toxicity testing methods for invertebrates like mayflies and freshwater mussels. His work bridges field observations with laboratory studies, emphasizing ecosystem-level consequences of human activities. Awards: 2015 SETAC Kenaga Award, 2015 OAC Distinguished Researcher Award, 2011 OAC Distinguished Teacher Award Advising and grants involve training students on projects like the ecological risks of neonicotinoids and the impacts of invasive species on riparian zones. His lab (ECBA 2103) and fieldwork in boreal forests and Great Lakes watersheds support applied ecological research. Labs/Teams: Active in the CREATE Great Lakes Training Program, leading interdisciplinary teams studying freshwater ecosystems. Collaborates with institutions like Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Annie DeslauriersView profile

Professor

• Tree Physiology
• Phenology of Trees
• Xylogenesis (Growth Ring Development)
• +6 more

Annie Deslauriers is a Professor in the Department of Basic Sciences at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC), where she leads significant research in tree physiology and phenology. As a Regular Member of the Centre d'étude de la forêt (CEF), she directs multiple research projects focused on understanding carbon allocation and intra-annual growth patterns in conifers in boreal and temperate environments. Her research interests span tree physiology, phenology, xylogenesis (growth ring development), carbon allocation in trees, and environmental stress responses. Dr. Deslauriers investigates bud phenology, radial growth, and carbohydrate and starch dynamics throughout the growing season, with particular emphasis on how environmental stresses like water deficits and defoliation affect tree physiology. Her work is especially relevant in the context of climate change, as it helps understand how stress impacts tree growth, survival, and carbon allocation priorities. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts on forest ecosystems, particularly examining how temperature variability, nitrogen availability, and insect defoliation affect tree growth and phenology across different species including black spruce, white spruce, balsam fir, and sugar maple. Her research employs advanced methodologies in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to analyze intra-annual radial growth, water relations, and carbon compound dynamics. Dr. Deslauriers actively mentors the next generation of forest scientists, supervising multiple doctoral and master's students while collaborating extensively with researchers across Canada and internationally. Her work bridges fundamental plant physiology with practical forest management applications, particularly in understanding how climate change affects boreal forest ecosystems.

Carrie BergerView profile

Researcher

• Fire adapted communities
• Smoke ready communities
• Prescribed fire and cultural burning
• +3 more

Carrie Berger serves as the Fire Program Manager at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, bridging academic research with community outreach in fire science. She is affiliated with both the Outreach and Engagement unit and the Department of Forest Ecosystems & Society. Her role focuses on advancing wildfire preparedness, smoke management, and prescribed fire practices through educational materials and collaborative initiatives. Education: B.S. in 1998 from University of Wisconsin-Madison; M.S. in 2002 from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Research emphasizes fire-adapted communities, smoke-ready strategies, and cultural burning practices. She leads the Fire Program, which produces resources like the Our Future in Our Hands collection and Prescribed Fire Basics modules. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address complex issues like mixed-ownership landscapes and family forest management challenges. Publications span wildfire FAQs, fuel treatment methodologies, and non-timber forest product guides. Notably, her 2015 article Not all fires are wild earned the ANREP Gold Award for its clarity in explaining fire management principles. Through Extension catalog contributions, Berger disseminates actionable insights on fire behavior, air quality impacts, and pest management. She collaborates with stakeholders to enhance community resilience and ecological stewardship. Scientific Award: ANREP Gold Award for Short Publication (2015) Labs/Teams: Fire Program Team within the Forestry & Natural Resources Extension network.

Christopher Alden FrothinghamView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

• Osteopathic Medicine
• Family Medicine
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
• +3 more

Christopher Alden Frothingham, D.O., is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM). He is affiliated with the Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences. Dr. Frothingham graduated from UNECOM in 2001 and completed a combined Family Medicine/OMM residency there. He is board certified in both specialties and has practiced OMM in a private clinic in Portland, Oregon, before returning to Maine to join UNECOM's faculty full-time. His work focuses on promoting osteopathic principles among students, colleagues, and the public. His research interests align with his clinical expertise in osteopathic manipulative medicine and family medicine, emphasizing hands-on, patient-centered care consistent with osteopathic philosophy. In his personal time, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking (barefoot), running, and exploring Maine's natural beauty with his family. He also engages in maple syrup production and antique shopping.