Research - Digital Natural Resources

FNR Digital Natural Resources' research spans over several areas which includes developing integrated systems of quantitative techniques for assessing and analyzing forest and associated ecosystems. Efforts focus on advancing quantitative methods related to statistical, simulation, and analytical modeling of natural systems at varying spatial and temporal scales.

FNR forestry research expands and collaborates across Purdue University with theIntegrated Digital Forestry Initiative (iDiF) led by Songlin Fei, professor and the Dean's Remote Sensing Chair. This research is working towards developing platforms and strategies that leverage digital technology to measure, monitor and manage urban and rural forests to maximize social, economic and ecological benefits.

Areas of Specialization

  • Remote Sensing, Monitoring and Sensor Networks
  • Modeling of Natural Resources
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Natural Resource Informatics
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Spatial Analysis

Faculty
Dr. John Couture
Integrating chemical and landscape ecology to advance our understanding of the influence of trophic-level interactions on ecosystem functioning

Dr. Songlin Fei
Spatial analysis and pattern recognition, invasive species distribution modeling and forest ecosystem dynamic modeling<

Dr. Brady Hardiman​
Ecosystem responses to anthropogenic modification including disturbance, management, land-use change associated with urbanization, remote sensing, and ecosystem modeling.

Dr. Bryan Pijanowski
Land-use modeling & spatial ecology, ecological assessment, natural resource economic impact analysis

Dr. Guofan Shao
Smart applications of geospatial technology including remote sensing & geographic information systems

Dr. Patrick Zollner
Behavioral ecology of ecological landscapes, forest management in changing landscapes, animal movements

Learn More About Our Research

View our nine research areas along with our world-class faculty.

Purdue centers seek to support and enhance the research and partnership enterprise at Purdue University. The centers are valued and encouraged at Purdue as they create a venue for faculty to come together to pursue common goals. Forestry and Natural Resources have faculty and staff involved in six centers here at the University.

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources maintains an impressive collection of state-of-the-art research and education facilities. These labs, green houses, and educational facilities are a fundamental component that enables our faculty and students to learn, make new discoveries, and engage our clients in using these discoveries to sustain our nation’s ecosystems and natural resources.​

The mission of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is to develop and disseminate knowledge in the natural resource sciences associated with the protection, management, and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. One way the department accomplishes our mission is by owning and managing 24 properties located throughout the state to provide opportunities for research, extension, and education that achieves sustainable use of our natural resources.

See Research Digital Natural Resources' Stories

A map of trees of the world and a photo  of black vultures eating
2021 Year in Review: The Research

Despite challenges due to COVID-19 limitations, research and outreach continued in Forestry and...

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China research
New Research Grant Aims to Map Planted Forests in China

Jingjing Liang, assistant professor of quantitative forest ecology, is aiming to improve the...

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Aerial photo of forest, digital forestry research including remote sensing.
Remote sensing, digital tech advance tools for precision forestry

Powerful partnerships among Purdue University's colleges of agriculture, engineering and...

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Walter Beineke, Space Sycamore
Space Sycamores: A Legacy of Hope, Friendship

More than 30 years ago, two Purdue alums - one a forester, one an astronaut - worked together to...

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Robin Russell
Russell Named as FNR Distinguished Alumna

There is no doubt that Russell is making an impact on the wildlife management and disease ecology...

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Jason Hoverman and Mo Zhou
Hoverman and Zhou Earn Promotions

Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources congratulates Dr. Jason Hoverman and Dr. Mo Zhou for their...

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