Current research projects

• A Realistic Analysis of the Variability of Carbon Estimates Using Airborne and Space LiDAR

  This is a collaborative, international research project funded by NASA in response to the NASA Carbon Cycle Science program. Involving scientists from the U.S., Scandinavia, and Canada, the investigation aims to identify and reduce major uncertainties in the boreal forest carbon budget. The overarching objective of the study is to develop a realistic estimate of the variability of regional carbon estimates developed using space-based lidar measurements of forest structure.

• Identification and monitoring effects of heavy vehicular traffic on the vegetative and physical characteristics of Alaskan tundra

  A manipulative experiment was carried out on the tundra south of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in order to observe and measure the impact of heavy equipment traveling over the tundra during winter at various degrees of tundra frozenness.

• Line Intersect Sampling

  With increased interest in the estimation of the abundance and distribution of coarse woody debris on the forest floor, the method of sampling has received renewed attention from practitioners. Techniques such as using ell-shaped transects, triangular transects, and Y-shaped transects have sprung up. We have developed unbiased estimators of CWD abundance when using segmented transects, and we have devised procedures to avoid edge-effect bias.