Christopher Oswalt, Forest Ecologist & Silviculturist

As a forest ecologist and silviculturist, I study patterns among the diverse processes and plants within forest ecosystems, as well as the impact of humans on those ecosystems. I also find interesting ways to share forest-related information with others.

The ability to work with others is very important. Very few scientific discoveries are made alone. Big questions usually involve big teams. Scientists need the ability to work as a part of large research teams.

What is the range of an invasive plant species in United States forests? Recently, we started to map the range, or location, of invasive plants across all forests in the United States. We used data gathered by the Forest Inventory and Analysis program of the USDA Forest Service.

The most exciting example of technology I use currently is web-based geographic information systems (GIS). Web-based GIS enables us to develop map content which is interactive, accurate, and precise. This content can be mapped for use by the general public.

My most exciting discovery is that my science can reach many people because of interactive internet publications. I can easily turn a simple discovery, such as the range of an invasive grass species in the South, into a fun and interactive map with graphics.

It wasn’t until I started working on my undergraduate degree that I discovered science was the field of study that most interested me. I drifted toward forestry because of the time I spent in the forest with my grandfathers.