Sarah Neumann

Sarah Neumann is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Forest Ecology at the Department of Forestry, Michigan State University (MSU), within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. She holds a PhD in Forestry and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Biology from MSU (2008) and a BS in Biology from the University of the South (1999).

Her research focuses on plant-soil feedback mechanisms shaping forest community composition, structure, and productivity, particularly in temperate and tropical ecosystems. She investigates interactions between plants and soil communities (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi, damping-off fungi) and abiotic factors like climate, light, and soil conditions. Key themes include species diversity maintenance, invasive species dynamics, and climate change impacts on tree range shifts.

Her publications span over two decades, addressing global patterns in plant-soil feedbacks, climate-induced tipping points in wetlands, and tree regeneration dynamics. She is affiliated with the Forest Ecology Laboratory and collaborates with institutions like the USGS and Arnold Air Force Base.

Neumann’s work bridges mechanistic ecology and applied environmental science, emphasizing the role of biotic-abiotic interactions in ecosystem resilience. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her prolific publication record underscores her scholarly contributions. She advises no listed students but is part of a dynamic research group exploring forest ecosystems.