Master’s Sustainability Leadership Fellow Cohort: 2026

Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory 

Research Summary: Recent wildfires are changing forests across the West, influencing the carbon they hold and their long-term sustainability. However, accurately quantifying these carbon dynamics in post-fire landscapes remains a critical challenge. I use 3D laser scanning to map burned forests and measure both standing and downed trees in detail. Comparing these results with national monitoring methods reveals where carbon is under-counted and how recovery can be better understood. My work bridges ecology, geospatial science, and carbon accounting to strengthen post-fire decision-making. By collaborating with land managers and communicating findings beyond my field, I aim to support science-informed, resilient forest stewardship.