Emily J. Silver

Emily J. Silver is an Associate Professor, Associate Chairperson, and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU), housed within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. She leads the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Laboratory, focusing on understanding human behavior's impact on natural resource management outcomes. Her work spans rural and urban forestry systems, integrating social science methodologies with ecological and policy frameworks.

Dr. Silver holds a PhD in Forestry (University of Maine, 2015), an MS in Natural Resources Science (University of Minnesota, 2012), and a BA in Environmental Studies & Music Composition (Brandeis University, 2008). She has secured grants including a $160K USDA award to expand forestry career opportunities.

Her research employs agent-based modeling, observational data, and stakeholder engagement to address challenges in forest stewardship, bioenergy systems, and urban resilience. Key collaborators span ecology, psychology, and policy disciplines. Current projects include agroforestry market innovation and wood pellet technology diffusion studies.

Dr. Silver advises the Forest Carbon and Climate Program and contributes to initiatives like MassTimber@MSU. She teaches graduate courses in human dimensions methodologies and supervises students in the Human Dimensions Lab.