Richard Kobe

Dr. Richard Kobe is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU), where he leads the Forest Ecology Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding ecological processes governing tree community dynamics in temperate and tropical forests, particularly mechanisms driving species abundance and diversity across soil resource gradients. He holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Connecticut (1995) and a BA in Biology & Environmental Studies from Denison University.

• Education:
  • PhD, Ecology, University of Connecticut (1995)
  • BA, Biology & Environmental Studies, Denison University

His research addresses critical questions about forest composition drivers, anthropogenic impacts on soil resources, and mechanisms enabling coexistence of hundreds of tree species in wet tropical forests. The lab employs field experiments and individual-based modeling to explore mortality, growth, and dispersal patterns.

The Forest Ecology Laboratory contributes to MSU's Forest Carbon & Climate Program and Mass Timber initiatives. Dr. Kobe has published extensively on topics including soil nutrient effects on tree growth, plant-soil feedbacks, and resource allocation theory.