Person

Jennifer Anne Franklin

Professor | School of Natural Resources

Specialization: Forest Restoration

Overview

My work is focused on restoring forests on sites that have been disturbed or degraded by mining and other human activities. Highly altered environments require planting of trees and herbaceous species to speed the re-establishment of ecosystem processes, and reduce impacts on downstream water quality. I am trying to understand how species selection and soil amendments influence the trajectory of forest succession, and the ability of the land to provide ecosystem services.

Teaching Focus

Applied Ecosystem Restoration, Tree Biology and Physiology, and Prescribed Fire Management

Research Focus

Forest Restoration

Research Questions
  • How do herbaceous plants influence the growth of trees? Herbaceous ground covers are often planted with trees on forest restoration sites, and can have both positive and negative effects on tree establishment by influencing water and nutrient availability, soil chemical and physical properties, and interactions with soil microbes and wildlife. Research has focused on reforestation plantings on reclaimed mine sites.
  • How likely are trees to be damaged by fire, and does this injury contribute to tree death? I am working to understand how fire injures trees, and to predict the extent of injury based on tree species, diameter, and fire intensity.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FORS 214 - Tree Biology
3 credit hour(s)

An introduction to the anatomy and development of woody plants, their reproduction, growth requirements, and functioning.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 101, BIOL 113, or BIOL 150.

FORS 217 - Honors: Tree Biology
3 credit hour(s)

Students will attend FORS 214 classes with supplementary assignments.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 101, BIOL 113, or BIOL 150.

FORS 305 - Prescribed Fire Management
2 credit hour(s)

Prescribed fire ecology, use, and management in forest stands.

Grading Restriction: Letter grade only.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FWF 312.

FORS 414 - Tree Physiology
3 credit hour(s)

Tree structure, growth, development, function, and how these are related to the environment and to cultural practices. Influence of environmental variables on plant growth and distribution. Effects of forest management practices on growth and function. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FORS 414 and FORS 514.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FORS 214 or BIOL 114.

FORS 496 - Internship in Forestry
1 - 6 credit hours

Supervised experience at departmental-approved employment location arranged by the student. Students earn one credit per two weeks of full-time field experience. Internship learning objectives must be pre-approved by the advisor/instructor and the field supervisor. Daily log, supervisor evaluations, and final report required.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

Other Instructors: Jean-Philippe, Sharon | Buckley, David S

FORS 514 - Tree Physiology
3 credit hour(s)

Tree structure, growth and development, and function, and how these are related to the environment and to cultural practices. Influence of environmental variables on plant growth and distribution; effects of forest management practices on growth and function. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 514 and 414.
Recommended Background: Biology 111 and 112 or Biology 101 and 102.
Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

FWF 324 - Applied Ecosystem Restoration
3 credit hour(s)

This course will build upon the principles of ecology to cover the theory and practical knowledge needed to restore the structure and function of ecosystems.

Registration Restriction(s): Junior standing.

FWF 490 - Topics in Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
1 - 3 credit hours

Current issues and problems in forestry, wildlife, and fisheries.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.

Other Instructors: Muller, Lisa Irene | Peairs, Stephen Eric | Phillips, Lindsey Morgan | Chitwood, Anthony

Picture of Jennifer Anne Franklin
134 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Forestry, General, University of Alberta, 2002

Jennifer Anne Franklin

Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Jennifer Anne Franklin image
134 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Forestry, General, University of Alberta, 2002
Overview

My work is focused on restoring forests on sites that have been disturbed or degraded by mining and other human activities. Highly altered environments require planting of trees and herbaceous species to speed the re-establishment of ecosystem processes, and reduce impacts on downstream water quality. I am trying to understand how species selection and soil amendments influence the trajectory of forest succession, and the ability of the land to provide ecosystem services.

Teaching Focus

Applied Ecosystem Restoration, Tree Biology and Physiology, and Prescribed Fire Management

Research Focus

Forest Restoration

Research Questions
  • How do herbaceous plants influence the growth of trees? Herbaceous ground covers are often planted with trees on forest restoration sites, and can have both positive and negative effects on tree establishment by influencing water and nutrient availability, soil chemical and physical properties, and interactions with soil microbes and wildlife. Research has focused on reforestation plantings on reclaimed mine sites.
  • How likely are trees to be damaged by fire, and does this injury contribute to tree death? I am working to understand how fire injures trees, and to predict the extent of injury based on tree species, diameter, and fire intensity.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FORS 214 - Tree Biology
3 credit hour(s)

An introduction to the anatomy and development of woody plants, their reproduction, growth requirements, and functioning.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 101, BIOL 113, or BIOL 150.

FORS 217 - Honors: Tree Biology
3 credit hour(s)

Students will attend FORS 214 classes with supplementary assignments.

(RE) Prerequisite(s) : BIOL 101, BIOL 113, or BIOL 150.

FORS 305 - Prescribed Fire Management
2 credit hour(s)

Prescribed fire ecology, use, and management in forest stands.

Grading Restriction: Letter grade only.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FWF 312.

FORS 414 - Tree Physiology
3 credit hour(s)

Tree structure, growth, development, function, and how these are related to the environment and to cultural practices. Influence of environmental variables on plant growth and distribution. Effects of forest management practices on growth and function. Credit Restriction: Students may not receive credit for both FORS 414 and FORS 514.
(RE) Prerequisite(s) : FORS 214 or BIOL 114.

FORS 496 - Internship in Forestry
1 - 6 credit hours

Supervised experience at departmental-approved employment location arranged by the student. Students earn one credit per two weeks of full-time field experience. Internship learning objectives must be pre-approved by the advisor/instructor and the field supervisor. Daily log, supervisor evaluations, and final report required.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – junior.

Other Instructors: Jean-Philippe, Sharon | Buckley, David S

FORS 514 - Tree Physiology
3 credit hour(s)

Tree structure, growth and development, and function, and how these are related to the environment and to cultural practices. Influence of environmental variables on plant growth and distribution; effects of forest management practices on growth and function. Credit Restriction: Students cannot receive credit for both 514 and 414.
Recommended Background: Biology 111 and 112 or Biology 101 and 102.
Credit Level Restriction: Graduate credit only.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate.

FWF 324 - Applied Ecosystem Restoration
3 credit hour(s)

This course will build upon the principles of ecology to cover the theory and practical knowledge needed to restore the structure and function of ecosystems.

Registration Restriction(s): Junior standing.

FWF 490 - Topics in Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
1 - 3 credit hours

Current issues and problems in forestry, wildlife, and fisheries.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.

Other Instructors: Muller, Lisa Irene | Peairs, Stephen Eric | Phillips, Lindsey Morgan | Chitwood, Anthony