Congratulations to each of the latest Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) national award winners from Forestry and Natural Resources Extension! This recognition from peers from across the country serves as a testament to the exceptional quality of the work done. The ANREP Awards Program fosters high standards within the membership, recognizes significant achievement, and expands the use of high quality, innovative materials and programs by honoring the outstanding members and partners who developed them.
The Gold Award in TV/Video went to Bees in the Woods, a video series that offers information on enhancing pollinator habitat on small private forest properties. Lauren Grand, Brad Withrow-Robinson, Jacob Putney, Stephen Fitzgerald, Hayley Brazier (High Desert Museum), and Pat McAbery (Sight and Sound Services) worked on this video series.
The publication Introduction to Forest Carbon, Offsets and Markets, received the Silver Award for long publication. Jacob Putney, Norma Kline, Stephen Fitzgerald, Lauren Grand, Chris Schnepf (University of Idaho), Greg Latta (University of Idaho), Patrick Shults (Washington State University) and John Rizza (formerly OSU) were authors of this Extension publication that introduces readers to forest carbon, carbon offsets, projects and markets. It is intended to orient forest owners, land managers, natural resource professionals and others to forest carbon and carbon market terminology and processes, as well as resources for assistance and getting started.
Lace-Anna Rowe (Forest Engineering, ‘24) gained valuable technical skills in the mechanized harvesting lab while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Rowe now works as a program coordinator at Umpqua Community College.
The College of Foresty’s Mechanized Harvesting Laboratory, led by Professor Kevin Lyons, was recently awarded a $383,730 grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to grow the forest industry workforce through the development of four specialized training certificates. These certificates build on successful existing OSU programs and partnerships utilizing forest harvesting simulators and practical field activities. The certificates aim to address the high demand for skilled workers and managers in the mechanized logging sector, a field that is projected to face labor shortages in the coming years.
“Logging has historically been a difficult and dangerous field to work in,” said Lyons, the Wes Lematta Professor of Forestry Engineering. “Advancing mechanization and providing more education opportunities using innovative technology, like harvesting simulators, increases worker safety and knowledge in the field and exposes a new generation to the field of forestry.”
The certificates will be designed to provide clear training pathways for individuals seeking careers in forest machine operation and management, and are open to current OSU students, high school students, community college students, post baccalaureate students and vocational workers. Each certificate is being developed in close collaboration with the Mechanized Harvesting Laboratory’s partners, including the Natural Resource Career and Technical Education high schools, the Future Natural Resource Leaders, Umpqua Community College, Associated Oregon Loggers, Papé Machinery, Miller Timber Services, Weyerhaeuser and Melcher Logging.
“Initial feedback from our pilot projects indicated that users wanted more locations to obtain training, formal certificates and time with industry trainers,” said Lyons. “We can be most effective by working across the education spectrum, incorporating learners from high school, undergraduate programs and even those currently employed.”
By involving multiple communities and locations, the lab addresses the lack of forest sector training opportunities and technological gaps that weaken efforts to attract and retain talent in forest harvesting. The four certificates act as a ladder connecting new workers, existing ones and managers to bring opportunity to underserved populations in Oregon, including rural communities, people of color, women and high school students who are not immediately planning to attend post-secondary education. Bringing workforce development directly to these communities helps increase the diversity of forestry’s future workforce. To overcome language barriers, the certificates will be offered in multiple languages, including Spanish.
Simulator-based education offers safe, hands-on training without exposing inexperienced workers to the risks of real-world logging. Logging has one of the highest rates of fatal injuries of any civilian job in the U.S., but research by the Pacific Northwest Agriculture Safety and Health Center (2024) shows that increased mechanization is helping to reduce accidents and fatalities.
“By leveraging partnerships and simulator-based training, we are ensuring our students receive both hands-on training and earn formal certifications that improve their career prospects,” said Lyons. “With this grant, OSU and its partners are poised to strengthen Oregon’s forest industry workforce, enhancing both safety and efficiency in forest management.”
The College of Forestry received an Oregon Workforce Ready Grant to grow the forest industry workforce through the development of four specialized training certificates:
Forest Machine Management
OSU undergraduate certificate.
Equips managers with the skills to oversee mechanized forest harvesting operations.
Available to OSU students and working professionals with courses integrated into the Forest Engineering and Forest Operations programs.
Mechanized Forestry Technician
Certificate offered at Umpqua Community College.
Trains forestry technicians to implement mechanized harvesting systems.
Aligns with UCC Associate of Science Degree in Forestry.
Forest Machine Operator
OSU Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) certificate.
Provides upskill training for those already in the industry.
An earn-and-learn program supported by sponsoring companies.
Introduction to Mechanized Forest Harvesting
OSU PACE certificate.
Introduces high school students to mechanized harvesting techniques.
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Assistant Professor Heesung Woo (right) conducts autonomous driving field tests while capturing 3D point cloud maps with a developed forestry robot system.
Heesung Woo, an assistant professor of advanced forestry, is one of the few people in the world leading forestry robotics research. This research, which involves emerging technology like artificial intelligence, precision mapping, machine learning and tree planting drones and robots, is looking to solve two big challenges facing forestry today — a declining and aging workforce and the need to incorporate AI, robotics and 3D mapping solutions into everyday forest management.
“The first challenge facing forestry — and this is a worldwide challenge — has to do with the forestry workforce,” says Woo. “There is a labor shortage, including an aging, fairly homogeneous workforce with fewer younger people and a small percentage of women working in the field.”
Woo says forestry is often referred to using the “three D’s” (not to be confused with 3D technology). “Forestry can be difficult, dirty and dangerous,” says Woo.
“Partially for that reason, it can be challenging to recruit the next generation, but it’s vital that we continue to diversify the workforce and continuously ask how we can expand and better train the population we recruit, as well as give the broader field of forestry more advanced yet accessible tools for managing their forests.”
One of the answers lies in technology, which plays a key role in attracting younger, more diverse audiences to the field. As young people are already familiar with computers and digital tools, they are more inclined to embrace the latest innovations. These technological advancements not only offer exciting opportunities but also help reduce the physical demands and risks associated with traditional forestry tasks by automating many processes.
Technology is also the answer for another challenge facing forestry — the software to analyze and understand the forests and move from broad brush management to granular prescriptions that digitally capture data, can be expensive and inaccessible to a small woodland owner. Woo is working to both revolutionize the technology used in forestry and democratize knowledge and software through open-source applications.
“Often the basic technology is not the expensive part, it’s the software,” says Woo. “The software also requires training so even if someone can get their hands on the technology, a knowledge gap can exist.”
Woo is developing free applications and open-source software, so forestry managers can have access to previously cost-prohibitive software. That takes the prices of some systems down from $500,000 to a few thousand dollars, giving a broader group of people access to the latest technology.
Testing a prototype low-cost LiDAR mapping system under the forest canopy.
He is also developing robots equipped with low-cost LiDAR systems to explore opportunities in autonomous forest monitoring applications, utilizing 3D mapping and precision data collection with LiDAR sensors.
Woo is committed to investigating and promoting advanced forestry practices that go beyond conventional methods to help foresters and land managers make data-driven decisions, remain safe and help forestry attract a more diverse workforce.
“By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and open-source technology, we can make forest monitoring and management more accurate, more efficient, more sustainable and an attractive field for the next generation,” says Woo.
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Imagine stepping into a forest and exploring the wonders of Oregon’s landscapes without ever leaving the classroom. A virtual reality program, offered by OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, is offering high school students, career seekers and new logging employees a chance to do just that, transforming the way they learn about forestry and opening the door to an exciting career in one of Oregon’s most vital industries.
“The ‘Virtual Canopy’ program offers an innovative solution to address key challenges faced by Oregon’s forest sector, like workforce shortages, recruitment issues and safety concerns,” said Lauren Grand, associate professor of practice and Lane County Extension agent. “By using virtual reality technology, we can create a safe and interactive training environment while exposing a more diverse group of people to the career opportunities available to them in forestry, especially for those who may not be considering higher education.”
Oregon’s forest sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and community, contributing to the third-largest GDP in Oregon and producing nearly 50% of the nation’s lumber and plywood. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including an aging workforce, declining recruitment, and the need for safer, more engaging training methods. Logging remains one of the most dangerous professions in the state, with fatality rates higher than any other occupation, underscoring the critical need for innovative safety education and workforce development initiatives.
By integrating safety education with career exposure, the Virtual Canopy program promotes forest sector career pathways, including those that do not require a college degree, while working to reduce potential injuries or dangerous situations.
This program is designed to be portable and scalable with training sessions available in classrooms, career fairs and workplaces. OSU Extension currently houses 20 VR headsets for educator use, with additional units deployed by industry partners like the Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc., and the OSU College of Forestry for recruitment and training events.
The program is already showing signs of success, with eight out of 10 participants reporting that they learned new information about forestry careers and seven out of 10 finding the experience engaging and expressing a desire to participate again. Notably, the program has no significant differences in engagement based on prior forestry experience or gender, making it a versatile tool for reaching a diverse audience.
“The future of forestry depends on a skilled workforce and accessible pathways to stable, safe, well-paying careers,” said Grand. “By combining career exposure, safety education and innovative training methods, ‘Virtual Canopy’ brings workforce development and opportunity directly to people so that we can support the growth of Oregon’s forestry sector.”
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Tommy Bain B.S. in Renewable Materials, ‘15 Head of Customer Care and Grading Support Manager, MiCROTEC
Tommy Bain (Renewable Materials, ‘15) is the head of customer care and a grading support manager at MiCROTEC, Inc., which provides high-tech scanning and optimization solutions for the wood processing industry. His journey as an undergraduate studying wood science to his current role at MiCROTEC is a testament to the importance of hands-on learning and relationship building in a technical field.
“I really enjoyed the senior year weeklong classes where we traveled and visited several locations within the wood products industry,” said Bain, reflecting on his time at OSU.
This experience provided a well-rounded view of post-graduation opportunities and led to the job he secured right after college and has held for over a decade. The COF’s emphasis on scientific problem-solving and teamwork was also instrumental in shaping Bain’s career.
“It gave me experience getting used to the scientific method of solving problems and taught me how to work as a team to accomplish common goals,” he said. These skills have been key in his role at MiCROTEC, where he leads two teams of support technicians focused on both hardware and software quality control for lumber and log grading machines.
Bain’s role at MiCROTEC involves ensuring that customers’ machines are operating at their best and consulting with them on how to best utilize software to minimize fiber loss and maximize profits. What he loves most about his job is the opportunity to build strong relationships with coworkers, employees and customers. His work has also allowed him to travel the world and witness how different cultures work and live.
His advice to current students considering a career in forestry is to embrace technology, develop teamwork skills and focus on communication.
“There are very few remaining jobs that don’t require some use of computers, math or critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Bain said. “Take public speaking and technical writing skills courses, and learn to work together with whatever team you’re put on.”
Camille Swezy M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management, ‘20 Biomass Forestry Consultant, Mule Ears Consulting
Camille Swezy (Sustainable Forest Management, ‘20) is a biomass and forestry consultant at Mule Ears Consulting. Her journey through the Collegeof Forestry shaped her career into one rooted in environmental conservation and sustainable forest management. One of her favorite memories at the college was her experience in Forest Operations Analysis (FE 440).
“Looking back, I learned so much in that class, and it ended up informing my Master of Forestry project and the line of work I’m in today,” Swezy said. “The college exposed me to a range of topics and fields of study in the forestry world.”
This variety prepared her for the diverse work she currently does. As a California registered professional forester, she specializes in low-value wood and biomass utilization, conducting wood supply assessments for entities working on wildfire prevention and forest health. Swezy also coordinates forest management projects for small landowners and is a consulting grant writer for wood energy facilities, sawmills, non-profits and resource conservation districts.
“What I love most about being a consultant is I get to help many entities achieve success at the same time,” she said. “There is a lot of need in California to advance forest and fuels management work and I enjoy working toward that goal from many angles.”
Her advice for students that are considering forestry is to take a range of classes to gain diverse experience and knowledge. She noted that forestry is interdisciplinary, and having a strong foundation in a variety of forestry-related topics sets future graduates up to succeed in the field.
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Nina Ferrari, Ph.D. student in forest ecosystems and society, climbs a massive old growth tree in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest a year before the Lookout Fire burned through the area. Photo by David Herasimtschuk.
Exploring How Oregon Forests Could Dampen Seismic Waves The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center is measuring whether certain types of forests can act as natural shock absorbers during earthquakes. Following the last Cascadia earthquake, which triggered few landslides, researchers are asking if forest structure plays a role in dampening seismic waves. Professor Ben Leshchinsky, the Richardson Chair in Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, is working with his team to test this hypothesis by installing SmartSolo 3C seismic sensors, which are all-in-one devices that record ground motions, in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. The findings of this study could provide insights into how forests and landscapes interact during major seismic events and shed light on strategies to enhance landscape resilience.
Renewable Diesel From Forest Biomass The OSU Clean Fuels Project, led by Kevin Lyons, the Wes Lematta Professor of Forestry Engineering, is exploring how forest biomass residues can be used to produce renewable diesel for internal combustion. This project analyzes how factors such as moisture content, particle size and tree species affect the quality of fuel produced through pyrolysis. It will also measure the environmental impact of these fuels on air quality, water resources and wildfire risks in Oregon. Findings aim to provide data that will inform policy and support cleaner fuel production with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.
SSMART Forestry: Sustainable, Safe, Machine-human Harmonized, Resilient and Technology-driven The SSMART Forestry Lab, led by Woodam Chung, Stewart Professor of Forest Operations, is testing and identifying robotic exoskeletons that can be used in certain forestry tasks, such as tree felling and planting. Exoskeletons are proven to enhance worker strength, increase productivity and reduce risk of injury. This research is part of a broader effort to develop innovative technological solutions to transform the forestry industry.
Conducting Research Amid Wildfires Nina Ferrari, a Ph.D. student in forest ecosystems and society, conducts bird research by climbing towering trees and joining the birds in their own realm — high up — rather than on the ground. In 2022 and 2023, she climbed 14 Douglas-firs in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest multiple times, studying how songbirds like hermit warblers and chestnut-backed chickadees divvy up vertical territories in multi-layered ancient forests and younger canopies planted 60 to 80 years ago. Recent inquiries at the Andrews have indicated that older complex forests offer cool pockets for songbirds to escape heat in a warming climate. Though half of Ferrari’s study trees burned in the 2023 Lookout Fire, she remains optimistic, believing her work will contribute to science amid climate extremes. Ferrari’s work was recently featured in National Wildlife Magazine.
A version of this story appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Focus on Forestry, the alumni magazine of the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
In January the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $4.2 million grant to the Clallam County Economic Development Council in Port Angeles, Washington, to advance Indigenous forestry resource development. The grant was matched with over $1 million in local funds from combined contributions by the Clallam County government, Oregon State University, Port of Port Angeles, Clallam County EDC, Composite Recycling Technology Center, Peninsula College, University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center and the City of Forks.
As part of this grant, College of Forestry Stewart Professor of Forest Operations Woodam Chung is advancing Investing in Forestry Skills: A Technology-Focused Workforce Training Program. The initiative is designed to build a highly skilled and technologically advanced forestry workforce in Clallam and Jefferson Counties through comprehensive training and development. Additionally, it aims to address the critical workforce shortage, one of the most pressing challenges facing the forest industry today.
“We’ve seen a dramatic decline in the forest industry workforce, and attracting younger generations has been increasingly difficult,” said Chung. “This reluctance, I believe, comes partly from the outdated perception that forestry jobs are inherently tough and dangerous. However, the reality is that rapid technological advancements and increasing mechanization are modernizing the field, making forestry jobs safer and more efficient.”
As technology continues to advance, Chung emphasizes that forest workforce development and training programs must evolve as well.
“In order to attract and retain skilled workers, training programs need to reflect the technological changes shaping the industry,” he said. “We must equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate cutting-edge equipment and embrace new, more sustainable forestry practices.”
By doing so, he believes the industry can not only overcome its current workforce shortage but also prepare for a future that is both safer and more technologically integrated.
Today, the forestry sector lacks accessible training opportunities, has unclear career paths and a widening gap between existing skills and emerging technologies. The program aims to address these challenges and empower the region through a multifaceted approach that focuses on:
Bridging the skills gap by providing targeted training on essential technologies and skillsets – cultivating a future-ready workforce by fostering proficiency in current technology and adaptability.
Developing partnerships with industry, public and tribal land management agencies, school districts and forestry associations across Jefferson and Clallam Counties and establishing new hands-on training curricula.
Providing diverse pathways — both entry-level and upskilling/retraining for existing forestry professionals — that cater to the specific needs of different audiences.
As this program bridges the skills gap and works to cultivate a future-ready workforce, it will increase the forestry sector’s accessibility and appeal to a broader audience of jobseekers and promote economic growth in forest-dependent rural communities. It will also improve operational efficiency and safety in forest practices, along with increased awareness of environmental impacts.
The grant will also support the University of Washington’s Olympic National Resource Center and new forest workforce training programs at Peninsula College. These programs aim to advance Clallam County’s economic growth, contribute to innovative and sustainable forest management in the community and represent a commitment to rural prosperity.
Co-PIs for this project include Kevin Lyons and Heesung Woo, Oregon State University; Mia Boster, Peninsula College; and Bernard Bormann, University of Washington Olympic Natural Resources Center.
Today’s sustainability challenges recognize no borders, and collaboration must be built across cultures worldwide to build an economy that supports people and planet. That’s one reason why Rajat Panwar, professor of responsible and sustainable business, travels the globe to collaborate and learn from colleagues and mentor and teach students. His research, which examines the impact of business practices on biodiversity loss and deforestation while also exploring potential solutions and ways to foster a sustainable bioeconomy, is especially relevant in today’s global and interconnected world.
Panwar recently traveled to Finland to deliver a keynote lecture at the 13th annual Responsible Business Research Conference. His speech, “Frontiers in Corporate Sustainability: Where Do We go from Here” explored the future of sustainable business in a world on edge — where geopolitical tensions are rising, corporate climate commitments are unraveling, and trust between businesses and society is fraying.
“The conference couldn’t have come at a better time. Seeing the impactful work people are doing was truly electrifying. With participants from 21 countries, it felt like a global rallying cry — we are not backing down,” Panwar said. “Emerging scholars give me hope; they are defying entrenched paradigms and exploring bold solutions.”
The conference aimed to spark thought-provoking discussions on the meaning of corporate responsibility today and increase the visibility of research on business sustainability and ethics. It explored what corporate responsibility means in today’s society and how we can conduct research around responsible and ethical business environments.
Sustainable business impacts everyone — after all, we rely on forests, but they also depend on us to protect and sustainably manage them. Our world is an intricate web, and understanding this interconnected system is key to finding groundbreaking solutions. Panwar emphasizes this importance of driving change through innovative global perspectives.
Later this month, Panwar will travel to Rome, Italy, for the Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable World (SW4SW) workshop hosted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. The workshop will present a six-year review of initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable wood practices to improve livelihoods and bolster climate resilience.
The insights from this workshop, which gathers organizations from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, will inform the strategic planning of the SW4SW initiative that focuses on advancing the business case for sustainable, inclusive wood and international collaborations in forestry.
With teaching experience across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, Panwar is also a global distinguished faculty member at the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing located in Jaipur, India. Originally from India, Panwar is an interdisciplinary scholar with dual doctoral degrees — a Ph.D. in forestry and a DBA in sustainability and strategy. His experiences facing a rapid economic expansion and environmental degradation during his youth shaped his research and teaching passions today.
“I witnessed the development-conservation debate come alive. The belief that environmental loss was an inevitable price for escaping poverty, increasing income and generating local jobs ran too deep,” Panwar said. “These experiences profoundly impacted me, so my academic work is dedicated to finding sustainability and ensuring a future where meeting human needs doesn’t come at too high an environmental cost.”
Can you tell us about the areas of research you are passionate about and what brought you to being the Christmas Tree Extension Specialist at the COF? I have a passion for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the interactions between two living organisms that exist in symbiosis, such as insects and plants. The interplay between insect pests and plants is a perfect example of the evolution of these interactions. Understanding pest biology on a host plant is essential to developing sustainable pest management strategies. The impact of applied entomology on agriculture and forestry has inspired me to continue my career in entomology. I studied various insect pests in forest and agriculture ecosystems to develop cultivars exhibiting pest-resilient traits. This skill set and passion for applied science brought me to being the Christmas tree extension specialist. As an extension specialist, I have opportunities to constantly learn and explore new challenges created by the emerging threats to the Christmas tree industry and develop solutions that have a direct impact on the stakeholders.
What are you currently researching? And, what is one research project that you’re proud of or that you feel had a significant impact? Currently, I am learning different management strategies for Christmas Tree production. The vision of my program is to develop an interdisciplinary research program to address the emerging challenges in Christmas tree production in the Pacific Northwest to develop applied solutions. If I had to pick a past project that made a significant impact, it is when I developed a protein database of oral secretions of Western Flower thrips, a notorious agriculture and greenhouse pest. It was also one of the most challenging projects that I have ever worked with as I had to dissect thousands of insects to extract their salivary glands. This database has opened opportunities for other researchers to understand the fundamental biology of the pest to develop sustainable tools to manage it.
What is something you want every student to know about you? I have a very broad knowledge of various subjects such as biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and ecology. I also bring technical knowledge in insect rearing, both basic and advanced molecular biology. Most importantly, I love mentoring students and providing career guidance!
What do you like to do in your free time? I like baking in cool season and gardening in warm season!
What’s your favorite book/movie genre or your all-time favorite title? I like to read mystery books and watch comedy movies.
The 2024 Dean’s Award recipients and retirees were recently honored with an awards ceremony and celebration. Since 1990, the Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement have recognized outstanding contributions by our community members that significantly advanced the mission of the College.
The award for outstanding achievement in Graduate Student Leadership went to Hunter Holeman. Hunter has worked tirelessly in his roles as Teaching Assistant and Society of American Foresters Student Chapter Chair and has consistently done so with a high degree of professionalism and organization. While working on the OSU Research Forests, Hunter was the student lead on implementing the Woodpecker Project which aimed to create a multi-aged forest structure. While in that role, he mentored additional student workers and helped to explain opportunities and challenges of managing the Research Forests for multiple uses and values. Hunter has also taught at Forestry and Natural Resources Extension’s Clackamas Tree School, reaching over 150 woodland owners across 9 field classes. Topics included Stand Density Management, Thinning Your Forest, and Uneven-aged Forest Management.
The Student Services team received the award for Fostering Undergraduate Student Success. The team includes Gina Cavanaugh, Brooke Harrington, Nicole Kent, Terina McLachlain, Hilary McMillan, Amy Riley, Kirk Robinson, Nate Scott, Morgan Shahan, Ruth Sterner, Joanna Tan and Beth Thompson. This team is a powerhouse of expertise, enthusiasm, innovation, and commitment, ensuring that our students are not only supported in their studies but also well-prepared for their future careers. They provide an invaluable foundation for student success through comprehensive advising, resource coordination, career preparation, and outreach efforts. And they do it all with empathy and consideration for student-lived experiences.
Sidney Perkin and Morgan Ward were recognized for outstanding achievement in Contributions as a Student Worker. Sidney’s nominator noted “she has gone above and beyond her expected duties since being hired in our analytical chemistry lab. Her exceptional progress in confidence, experience, and competence has been unmatched.” Morgan Ward is an undergraduate in Environmental Science, but has been instrumental in conducting work on fungal biodegradation projects in Wood Science, while simultaneously operating as a lab worker in Forest Ecosystems and Society.
The award recognizing outstanding achievement in the Mentorship of Graduate Students went to Andrew Merschel. Andrew’s nominator noted that “Andrew goes out of his way to help others with their own research and professional development. He serves on multiple graduate committees, has sought both funding and positions for future graduate students and assists in many side projects that students take on to develop both their technical and analytical skills.”
The Pauline Barto Award for Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion went to Eric Jones. Dr. Jones demonstrates exceptional commitment to DEI through his approach to teaching MNR 519: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Natural Resource Management. He creates an inclusive learning environment where students explore systemic barriers to DEI, develop ways to expand their cultural competency, and build awareness for practical DEI implementation in natural resource fields. His teaching approach combines DEI concepts with real-world applications, allowing students to develop projects relevant to their professional work.
The award for Outstanding Achievement in Distinction to the College went to Paul Van Wagoner and Andy McEvoy. Paul’s exceptional leadership of the College of Forestry’s Computing HelpDesk is a model of efficiency, responsiveness, and service excellence, and he also fosters a supportive learning environment for student employees. Paul consistently demonstrates technical expertise alongside remarkable interpersonal skills, ensuring that faculty, staff, and students receive prompt, knowledgeable assistance… with a smile and with concern for how you are doing as a person. Andy McEvoy has brought Distinction to the College through leadership in rolling out updates to Oregon’s wildfire hazard map. He has risen to the challenge of translating this science-based decision-support tool to the public, policy makers, and state agencies. Andy’s effort has been exceptional in response to this legislative request and in support of several state agencies, the Governor’s Office, and Oregon’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. He continues to represent the College with the utmost integrity and steadfast adherence to science integrity through extreme external pressure.
2024 retirees that were honored were Hans Luh, John Nairn and Liz Cole. Hans Luh was with Forestry Computing Resources since 2002 and spent many years providing support for the LTER Project on the H.J. Andrews. John Nairn was a professor and Richardson chair in Wood Science and Forest Products, and adjunct professor of Mechanical Engineering since 2006. Liz Cole worked as a senior research assistant in the FERM Department since 1988.
