Anil Raj Kizha

Anil Raj Kizha is an Associate Professor of Forest Operations and Forestry Program Leader at the University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources. His research focuses on forest engineering, timber harvesting economics, and biomass utilization, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact while improving operational efficiency. He holds a PhD in Forestry from Louisiana State University (2012) and prior degrees from Louisiana State University and Kerala Agriculture University.

Key research areas include cost optimization in timber harvesting, geospatial applications in forest operations, and logistics modeling for forest products. Notable projects explore the economic feasibility of small-diameter tree harvesting and the integration of biomass conversion technologies. Kizha has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including Louis LT, H Soman, and A Koirala, on topics like biomass recovery costs and harvesting method comparisons.

Publications highlight his work on moisture content management in forest residues, cost zones for biomass procurement, and the environmental impacts of harvesting practices. His research often bridges practical forestry challenges with technological and policy solutions, such as improving Maine’s forest trucking industry through stakeholder engagement.

As Program Leader, Kizha oversees the Forestry Program and collaborates with industry partners to advance sustainable forest management. His interdisciplinary approach combines engineering, economics, and ecology to address global forestry challenges.