As a forester, I study ways to provide estimates of multiple environmental benefits. An example of a benefit is forest carbon. The estimates are needed at local to national to global scales.
Passion for objective understanding
Independent, analytical thinking
Pattern recognition skills
Dedication to the scientific process, including publishing in scientific journals
How much carbon is being stored in forests of the United States, and how uncertain is that estimate?
For my field work, our most important tool is our brains! I extensively use information technology hardware and software, and data from satellites, cell phones, standard field tools (such as diameter tapes and lasers) and CO2 and other greenhouse gas analyzers.
On average, forests and forest products in the United States store 15-25 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by the burning of fossil fuels.
I knew I wanted to be a scientist while studying forestry in college. During that time, personal computers were becoming available. Every day I saw the promise of scientific thinking to produce information that can be used to guide our choices in creating the future. I wanted to contribute to fulfilling that potential.
