Research
My research focus is to determine the effects of thinning and prescribed fire on a Douglas-fir and western larch ecosystem in southeast British Columbia. We measured fuel loadings, fire temperatures, carbon & nitrogen concentrations, microbial community composition & abundance, moisture, pH and nutrient availability in the forest floor and soil. Fortunately, we were able to measure these indicators of soil health before the 2009 Big Hill Prescribed Fire and ecosystem response over three sampling periods after fire. The overall goal of my master’s thesis is to determine if this ecosystem restoration project was effective in creating wildlife habitat & forage, reducing hazardous fuel loadings and minimizing negative environmental effects while doing so.
Background
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Forest Ecosystem Management at the University of Idaho in 2008, with a minor in Fire Ecology and Management. I have been involved with the Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE) since 2003 and have been on the Association for Fire Ecology Outreach Committee since 2008. In 2008, I received the Undergraduate Student Excellence Award given by the Association for Fire Ecology for my work with the Idaho SAFE chapter and the U.S. Forest Service as a hotshot firefighter and heli-rappeller.
Fun
When I’m not on campus, I can usually be found “studying” in the mountains while snowboarding, trail running, or riding either my free-ride or downhill mountain bike. In Vancouver, I enjoy going to the beaches, kayaking and going to pubs that feature live music.