Francisca Marrs

Francisca Marrs serves as an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist within the Outreach and Engagement Forest Engineering, Resources & Management department at Oregon State University's College of Forestry. Based at the Peavy Forest Science Center (PFSC), she integrates academic research with practical extension services focused on timber harvesting systems and sustainable forest operations for industry professionals and woodland owners.

• Ph.D. in Sustainable Forest Management, Oregon State University (2016), with minor in Statistics
• M.S. in Forest Engineering, Oregon State University (2008)
• B.S. and Forest Engineer degrees, Universidad Austral de Chile (2006)

Her research centers on engineering solutions for sustainable forestry, emphasizing timber harvesting efficiency, forest worker safety protocols, and innovative technologies in forest operations. She investigates critical intersections between forest road design, water quality protection, and operational logistics, developing methodologies that balance economic productivity with ecological stewardship in working forests.

Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on practical logging innovations—from cable logging anchoring systems to small-scale harvesting techniques—and environmental monitoring approaches like time-domain reflectometry for tree water dynamics. This body of work reveals strong emphasis on translating academic research into field-applicable solutions for Western U.S. forestry challenges.

As a Graduate Major Advisor, Dr. Marrs mentors forestry students while leading extension initiatives that deliver actionable resources to woodland owners through curriculum development and technical guidance on log marketing and harvesting practices.