A forest hydrologist studies the water cycle. Where does water go after it falls as a raindrop? We study how it travels through a forest, into the soil, and eventually to a stream.
A love for being outdoors
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
I work at a Research Station where rainfall and temperature data has been collected for nearly 80 years! This lengthy record helps us answer questions about climate change. We are working to understand how a changing climate might affect forests and streams.
We use rain gages to measure how much precipitation falls on the forest. A weir is an instrument designed to accurately measure the volume of water in a stream. Combined, they allow us to measure a stream’s response to changes in climate or forest structure.
We are discovering that our rainfall patterns are changing over time. In the area where I live and work, we are now experiencing drier summers, wetter autumns, and more frequent droughts. We are continuing to investigate what effect this may have on streamflow and forest health in the future.
Since I was a kid, I loved being outside. I loved learning about plants and animals, playing in streams and looking under rocks to discover what might live there. In sixth grade, I participated in a science fair and was hooked!
