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.
New Faculty
New faculty are contributing their expertise across a range of projects and subjects including ecology, hydrology, natural resource management, and digital image processing.
Kathryn Hofmeister
Ecologist and hydrologist Kathryn Hofmeister joined CFRES in August as a new assistant teaching professor. Hofmeister earned her MS and PhD degrees at Cornell University and was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for two years prior to joining Michigan Tech. Here at Tech she teaches field techniques, biometrics, and forest economics, among other classes. Hofmeister is passionate about experimental education, supporting student research and integrating community science and K-12 education into her work. Her research focuses on hydrology, nutrient cycling, and soil health in forest, wetland, and agricultural landscapes.
“I view my role as an educator as a guide, helping students become active seekers of knowledge, providing an environment in which students acquire the tools to pursue answers to their own questions, and empowering the next generation of folks who will care for our planet’s precious resources.”
Parth Bhatt
Assistant teaching professor, researcher and MGIS online program director Parth Bhatt joined CFRES in January 2023 after earning his PhD in Geoinformatics from Michigan Tech the month before. Bhatt has worked with other Geographic Information Science (GIS) faculty to develop three new online GIS stackable certificates that allow working professionals to earn a master of geographic information science fully remotely. Bhatt also developed a short course focused on using the software platform Python in a GIS environment. His research interests focus on utilizing advanced remote sensing techniques like machine learning to solve complex problems in areas such as natural resource management, land use/cover and invasive species mapping, forest health, digital image processing, and spatial data analysis.
“With the increasing demand for professionals skilled in GIS and spatial analysis, ensuring that this program not only gains robust enrollment but also delivers timely, industry-relevant knowledge is a priority. My vision is to equip both students and working professionals with the applied skills necessary to excel in today’s rapidly evolving GIS landscape. A key component of this effort includes the development of cutting-edge classes designed to meet the needs of the industry.”
New Appointments
Sarah Hoy began a new appointment as a tenure-track assistant professor in CFRES in August. Molly Cavaleri and Andy Burton assumed associate dean roles in CFRES following the appointment of David Flaspohler as dean of the College on July 1.
Sarah Hoy
Assistant professor Sarah Hoy co-leads the Isle Royale wolf-moose research project and is teaching natural resource communication as well as graduate research methods. She has been featured on the Unscripted Research Blog for her work on the wolf-moose project as well as her vibrant wildlife photography. Her specialties include predator-prey interactions, animal ecology and conservation, population biology and life-history trade-offs. Hoy’s research priorities include securing long-term funding to support the Isle Royale wolf-moose project.
“As an educator, a top priority is to help my students become better science communicators.”
Molly Cavaleri
Cavaleri now coordinates graduate programs for CFRES in her role as associate dean. Her research and teaching focuses on ecophysiology and global change ecology. Her areas of expertise include forest canopy structure and function, carbon and water cycling through forests, tree ecophysiology, stable isotope ecology and invasive tree species.
“In both classroom teaching and laboratory mentoring, I strive to create a nurturing, unintimidating learning environment that fosters curiosity about science, facilitates critical thinking, and encourages students to actively participate in their own education.”
Andy Burton
In his position as associate dean Burton supports efforts to grow the CFRES research program. His own research integrates soil science, hydrology, plant physiology, and ecology in order to determine how ecosystems are affected by and adjust to environmental stresses and human manipulations. His specialties include belowground processes, carbon and nutrient cycling, physiology and ecology of tree roots, and undergraduate involvement in research.
“I know I can contribute to our understanding of forest ecosystems through my research, but I also know that what I can do is far less than what hundreds of well-trained students will accomplish,” said Burton.
About the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science brings students, faculty, and researchers together to measure, map, model, analyze, and deploy solutions. The College offers seven bachelor’s degrees in forestry, wildlife ecology and conservation, applied ecology and environmental science, natural resources management, sustainable bioproducts, and environmental science and sustainability, and environmental data science. We offer graduate degrees in applied ecology, forest ecology and management, forest molecular genetics and biotechnology, and forest science.
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