As I settle into the role of department head in Forest Resources, I am filled with gratitude and genuine excitement for the opportunity to serve.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the qualities that make this department so special: a deep commitment to experiential and field-based learning, impactful interdisciplinary research and outreach, a strong desire to build and expand meaningful partnerships, and – above all – a remarkable sense of community. These strengths inspire me, and I am eager to work alongside all of you to enhance our collective impact and ensure our teaching and research continue to meet the evolving needs of employers, partners, and society.
In this issue you’ll find highlights that reflect the breadth and vitality of our work. First, learn how novel research led by Associate Professor John Zobel (with contribution from many others in the department) and funded by the Minnesota Forest Resources Council paints the full picture of the carbon life cycle in our state’s timber industry, and how they’re working to get the word out ["New Research Informs Carbon-Aware Forest Management Practices"].
You'll also get a highlight of a project several of us in the Department of Forest Resources are deeply involved in: the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) Network, which is celebrating 10 years of data collection this fall ["Getting Results: 10 Years of ASCC Data Collection"].
Plus, hear from our students: PhD student Greg Harris shares about his research on standing dead trees, which can help inform carbon management decisions ["Field Questions with Greg Harris"] and recent Forest and Natural Resource Management (FNRM) alumna Maria Suarez reflects on her summer internship ground truthing plots for LiDAR data in Oregon ["Work Experience with Maria Suarez"].
Finally, we’ll get some nature photography tips from researcher Alan Toczydlowski, who often has his camera on him while working in the field ["Capturing Nature with Researcher/Photographer Alan Toczydlowski"] and learn the valuable contributions alumni from the Class of ’57 continue to provide our students ["Class of '57 Supports Forestry's Future"].
I am honored to return to Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota and to be part of this inspiring community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Thank you for your warm welcome. Together, let’s celebrate our achievements and look forward with hope and determination to the year ahead.