Lisa Patrick Bentley

Dr. Lisa Patrick Bentley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Sonoma State University, affiliated with the College of Science, Technology, and Business. She holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions including the University of Wyoming and the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on plant ecophysiology, community ecology, and tropical forest dynamics, leveraging remote sensing (e.g., terrestrial laser scanning) and Bayesian statistical approaches. She leads the 3DForests Project, funded by CSU ARI and CAL FIRE, which examines forest structure, carbon stocks, and wildfire fuel dynamics using innovative 3D technologies.

Her teaching includes courses such as Climate Change Biology and Plant Physiological Ecology. Current research emphasizes linking tree architecture to ecosystem processes, with projects in northern California and tropical ecosystems. Recent work includes assessing wildfire impacts via UAS and TLS, and mentoring graduate students (e.g., Zane, Devin Bassi) on topics like fuel estimation and oak resilience.

Dr. Bentley’s lab hosts a dynamic team focused on applied ecological research. Grants include support from the Joint Fire Science Program and National Science Foundation’s CAREER award. Collaborations span universities and agencies, aiming to inform forest management and climate adaptation strategies.