Research - Forest Science

Advance basic knowledge of forest ecosystems, as well as the physiology, genetics, and growth of hardwood trees, to provide for the health and sustained productivity of the forests of the Central Hardwood Region, both in rural and urban settings.

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

Dr. Morgan Furze
Tree physiology and ecology, carbohydrate reserve dynamics, responses to global change

Dr. Matt Ginzel
Chemically mediated host location and colonization behavior of wood-boring insects

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

Dr. Douglass Jacobs
Forest tree regeneration including nursery culture, outplanting and early stand management

Dr. Michael Jenkins
Effects of invasive species on ecosystem structure and function, forest ecosystem response to disturbances

Dr. Michael Saunders
Disturbance-based silviculture/ecological forestry, restoration ecology in forested systems

Dr. Patrick Zollner
Behavioral eco​logy of ecological landscapes, forest management in changing landscapes, animal movements

Areas of Specialization

  • Forest Ecology
  • Forest Soils
  • Silviculture
  • Tree Physiology
  • Urban Forestry

Learn More About Our Research

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

There has been substantial debate in recent months about how to best manage Indiana’s state forests. Unfortunately, some information presented about forest management on the web, in letters to state government, and in op-ed articles to newspapers and other outlets has included statements that are not consistent with results from decades of forest and wildlife research. We believe that the public-policy debate on forest management in Indiana would benefit from clarification of key concepts and what research findings have generally concluded.

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 Our Forest Science Stories

Ben McCallister, urban forestry specialist in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, looking at green leaves turning orange in light of the fall season.
Is fall foliage a sign of seasonal change or response to heat waves?

As autumn settles in, we eagerly await the transformation of leaves into vibrant hues of red,...

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Dr. Matt Ginzel stands in front of a forested area
Ginzel Selected to Participate in Purdue Insights Faculty Forum

Dr. Matt Ginzel was selected to participate in the Purdue Insights Faculty Forum, a leadership...

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Bird being held and forests banner
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for the Birds to Life

How does forest management affect wildlife, specifically birds? Which birds prefer which types of...

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Attendees of the Science-i Bridging Worlds Workshop stand together in front of the Hall for Discovery and Learning Research at Purdue
Science-i Bridging Worlds Workshop Facilitates Strategic Partnerships, Collaboration on Global Forest Issues

Researchers from across the globe traveled to Purdue for the Science-i Bridging Worlds Workshop,...

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Songlin Fei, director of Purdue’s Institute for Digital Forestry and professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, standing among the trees in Martell Forest.
The Society of American Foresters honors Purdue professor with Award in Forest Science

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) annually recognizes individuals for their outstanding...

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Dr. Songlin Fei talks to students at FNR Summer Practicum
Fei Shares About Alien Forest Pest Explorer on U.S. Forest Service Webinar

Dr. Songlin Fei spoke about Alien Forest Pest Explorer: Forest Health Applications, as part of...

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