I study upland hardwood forest ecosystems and forest management practices to improve the sustainability and economic and ecological services for local, regional, and international communities. My current primary focus is regeneration of oak (Quercus) through artificial regeneration (planting). I have implemented long-term research projects to test silvicultural practices for sustaining or restoring oak species, with a special emphasis on white oak (Q. alba). All of the research I conduct has been co-developed with forest land managers to use science to help guide practical applications on the ground. My research program also includes the restoration research of the American chestnut (Castanea dentata), a species that was ecologically extirpated by chestnut blight caused by a nonnative fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica). I partner with the University's Tree Improvement Program, many state natural resource agencies, The American Chestnut Foundation, the USDA Forest Service, and many academic partners from other land-grant and liberal arts colleges and universities.

I teach Dendrology (SNR 212) and Forest Ecology (FORS 215). These courses provide natural resource students with fundamental and essential knowledge that will be applied throughout their remaining curriculum and future careers. I am interested in developing creative and engaging methods and practices that will accommodate a diversity of learning styles and abilities to ensure students meet or exceed their education and career goals.  

I serve as the first Coordinator for the Ecology and Silviculture of Chestnut working party (1.01.13) within Division 1 (Silviculture) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). I worked with IUFRO and colleagues from Europe and South America to form the working party in 2021. Our goal is to improve research collaborations and develop synergy across continents where chestnut species grow, either as endemic or naturalized species. We have worked closely together to produce a special issue in Forest Ecology and Management and distribute newsletters on the latest chestnut literature, research, and conference opportunities.