Andrew J. Burton

Andrew J. Burton is a Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for Research at Michigan Technological University's School of Forest Resources & Environmental Science. He also serves as Coordinator of Interdisciplinary, Multi-Institutional Research and is a prominent member of the Ecosystem Science Center. His work focuses on understanding how forest ecosystems respond to environmental stresses and human manipulations.

Burton received his PhD in Forest Science (Forest Ecology) from Michigan Technological University in 1997, an MS in Forestry (Soils and Hydrology) from Michigan State University in 1986, and a BS in Forestry from Michigan State University in 1983.

Dr. Burton's research integrates soil science, hydrology, plant physiology, and ecology to determine how ecosystems are affected by and adjust to environmental stresses and human manipulations. His primary research interests include forest responses to global change factors, belowground processes, carbon and nutrient cycling, and the physiological ecology of tree roots. He emphasizes undergraduate involvement in research, believing that hands-on field experience is crucial for students to understand and appreciate ecosystem functioning.

Analysis of Dr. Burton's recent publications reveals a strong focus on how forests respond to global change factors, particularly nitrogen deposition, elevated CO₂, and climate warming. His research spans from local Michigan forests to tropical ecosystems in Ghana, examining carbon cycling, decomposition processes, and forest productivity across diverse ecosystems. A common thread in his work is understanding how human-induced environmental changes affect forest ecosystem structure and function.

• Distinguished Professor at Michigan Technological University

Burton actively mentors students and has secured significant research funding, including multiple grants from the National Science Foundation, USDA Forest Service, and USDA McIntire-Stennis program. His current research portfolio includes long-term studies on nitrogen deposition effects, wood decomposition experiments, carbon stock measurement in African mangroves, and sustainable forest-based biofuel pathways.

Dr. Burton leads several major research initiatives including the Michigan Gradient Study (ongoing since 1987), the FACE Wood Decomposition Experiment, and projects on carbon sequestration in tropical forests. His work often involves interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations, reflecting his role as Coordinator of Interdisciplinary, Multi-Institutional Research at MTU.