Andy Vander Yacht

Dr. Andy Vander Yacht is an Academic Specialist in Forest Ecology Management and Research at Michigan State University's Department of Forestry, within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources (Fire Ecology, 2017), M.S. in Wildlife Science (2012), and B.S. in Biology (2009). His work focuses on disturbances' impacts on forest ecosystems, particularly oak regeneration, fire ecology, and climate adaptation strategies. He leads the forest ecology lab, teaches courses on ecosystem services and wildland fire management, and chairs the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council.

• Educations:
• Ph.D., Natural Resources (Fire Ecology), University of Tennessee (2014-2017)
• M.S., Wildlife Science, University of Tennessee (2010-2012)
• B.S., Biology, Hope College (2005-2009)
• Research: Explores forest mesophication, fire ecology, community succession, and oak regeneration. Current projects include red pine to oak conversions in Michigan and tropical forest regeneration in Costa Rica. Leads long-term data analyses for Huron-Manistee National Forest and La Selva, Costa Rica.
• Grants & Awards: Secured a $500k grant to study pine plantations for oak forest promotion (2020). Collaborates on MSU's Urban WildF.I.R.E. program.
• Teaching/Labs: Teaches FOR 110 (Ecosystem Services) and FOR 413 (Wildland Fire Ecology). Manages the Forest Ecology Laboratory.