The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science was well-represented at two national conferences this fall—the Society of American Foresters National Convention and The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference.
The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) welcomes John McCarty to our faculty as a professor of practice. McCarty, who holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, describes himself as “broadly interested in ecology and environmental science and how science can contribute to multidisciplinary solutions to environmental problems.” His focus here at Tech will be on training and mentoring the next generation of ecologists and natural resource professionals.
“My goal is to help students reach their academic and professional goals—to help ensure they develop the skills needed to work effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams seeking solutions to complex environmental challenges,” McCarty said.
McCarty’s lab and field work is concentrated on bird conservation. His recent projects include investigating the role of natural areas in maintaining diverse and abundant bird communities, how changes in farming practices impact bird and butterfly communities, birds and butterflies in urban environments, and use of agricultural fields as stopover sites for migratory shorebirds.
McCarty worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service early in his career, finding solutions to widespread PCB contamination in New York’s Hudson River. He also worked at the interface between science and policy as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science Policy Fellow in Washington, D.C. In that capacity he focused on global climate change and topics related to natural resource management. He more recently served as a member of a US Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel, providing science-based expertise on policy matters related to endocrine disruptors and other environmental hazards. McCarty also led efforts by the Nebraska state chapter of The Nature Conservancy to develop and implement a statewide policy addressing global climate change.
“Michigan Tech and our college in particular is very fortunate to have Dr. McCarty join our team,” said CFRES Dean David Flaspohler. “John brings extensive experience to his role in the college, including instruction for our introductory first-year class, The Natural Resource Professional (FW1050), which is also part of Michigan Tech’s Essential Education program. The students really enjoy his thoughtful and welcoming approach to teaching this important class.”
The historic Ford Center Sawmill at Michigan Tech’s Ford Forest and Center is getting a facelift. One of three original Ford-operated sawmills in Baraga County, Michigan, the circa 1936 sawmill is receiving all-new exterior siding from Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions (LP).
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler said the siding project, now underway and expected to be completed by the end of summer, is made possible through the generous support of LP, a local donor, and has a direct connection to Michigan Tech research.
This February, Michigan Tech faculty traveled to Suriname to build connections and help train the next generation of scientists and researchers. Their trip was phase two of the U.S. Embassy-funded grant project focused on fostering sustainable development and promoting ethical research practices in the country. Suriname is also the home country for Wayne Gersie, Michigan Tech’s vice president for community engagement and professor of practice in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors in the College of Sciences and Arts.
The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) welcomes alumna Sierra Williams as outreach coordinator. She steps into her new position at Michigan Tech eager to pass on her love for the natural world, dedication to education, and Husky spirit to current and prospective students.
The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science’s Natural Resource Career Fair continues a legacy of genuine investment in student success passed down from CFRES faculty and alumni to the next generation of professionals. R.J. Laverne, a Davey Tree company representative, Tech alum, and adjunct professor opened Career Fair by likening the event to one of his prized possessions: a compass he bought in 1979, not long after he became a Husky.
“I think that for the students who will participate today, you may just find the right person at one of these tables to point you in the right direction. This could be the career compass that puts you on the first step toward a successful career,” said Laverne, who earned his forestry degree in 1980.
He emphasized the impact Michigan Tech’s faculty had on his career, particularly former forestry head Gene Hesterberg. “I was, on a good day, a mediocre student. Despite my poor academic performance at other institutions, Dr. Hesterberg took a chance on me,” said Laverne.
Tara Bal, assistant professor of forest health in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, was elected vice president of the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The organization represents foresters and natural resources professionals, helping them promote thriving forests by bringing the best science, the best practices, and the best people together. Bal said the organization represents a community that ultimately supports sustainable forests and sustainable forest management, and one she has been a part of since she was a student.
The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science welcomed two new faculty members and celebrated our faculty moving into new positions in the college this year.