Forest Ecosystem Science and Applications
M.S., M.P.S. & Ph.D.

The potential applications include:

• Tree physiology
• Physiological ecology
• Forest ecology
• Silviculture of natural forests
• Intensive silviculture of plantations
• Integrated vegetation management
• Forest genetics and tree improvement
• Nutrient cycling and simulation modeling
• Forest soil classification and productivity
• Urban and greenspace forestry

Graduate study in forest ecosystems includes the basic science of their biophysical processes and the applications whereby they are manipulated for ecological and social benefit. With a focus on ecological physiology or forest ecology, students may study competitive and synergistic interactions among plants or interactions among plants and the physical environment. Study may focus on trees in urban or forest settings, in the northern hardwood region or in the tropics. Study in forest genetics may focus on the genetic structure of natural and managed populations of forest trees, or on using the latest tools of biotechnology to enhance the ability of forest trees to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. Students may study nutrient cycling, assess the impact of land use on the structure and function of forest soils, or explore methods for insuring soil stability and productivity. Studies in silviculture and forest tree improvement evaluate the means for altering the composition, character, and dynamics of tree communities of varying composition and stages of development using information and understanding from ecological, managerial, and social sciences. Besides sustaining stable and resilient forested ecosystems, including habitat for plants and animals, forest management might strive to provide ancillary values for recreation and aesthetics, water quality, and the recovery of wood products and other commodities. Related disciplines represented at the college include forest pathology and entomology, plant biotechnology, hydrology and watershed management, wildlife and fisheries biology, landscape architecture, biometrics, forest economics, and forest management.

The growing concern with forests as forest ecosystems has greatly expanded the need for professionals with degrees in this area of study. Graduates can look forward to careers as specialists or researchers with a wide variety of public agencies, universities, industrial firms and selected non-profit organizations. Opportunities are likely to grow steadily in the US and other nations over the next decade or more.

Participating Faculty:

Abrahamson, Lawrence P., Senior Research Associate
Director, Northeast Petroleum-Forest Resources Cooperative 
Entomology, Pathology, Pesticides, Vegetation Management 
126 Illick Hall, 315-470-6777, labrahamson@esf.edu

Beier, Colin
Research Associate
Adirondack Ecological Center & Huntington Wildlife Forestvoice
(518) 582 4551 x106, fax (518) 582 2181, cbeier@esf.edu

Bevilacqua, Eddie, Associate Professor
Forest Mensuration, Tree-ring Analysis, Applied Statistics, Growth and Yield Modeling
301 Bray Hall. 315-470-6697, ebevilacqua@esf.edu

Briggs, Russell D., Professor
Forest Soils, Silviculture
358 Illick Hall, 315-470-6989, rdbriggs@esf.edu

Drew, Allan P., Professor
Coordinator, International Programs
Tree Physiology, Forest Ecology, Physiological Ecology
214 Marshall Hall, 315-470-6578, apdrew@mailbox.syr.edu

Germain, René H., Associate Professor
Sustainable Forestry Systems, Forest Management
222 Marshall Hall. 315-470-6698, rhgermai@esf.edu

Maynard, Charles A., Professor
Forest Genetics, Tree Improvement
216 Marshall Hall, 315-470-6560, cmaynard@mailbox.syr.edu

Nowak, Chris A., Associate Professor
Intensive Silviculture, Hardwood Silviculture, Quantitative Methods
220 Marshall Hall, 315-470-6575, canowak@esf.edu

Nyland, Ralph D., Distinguished Service Professor
Silviculture, Forest Practice
219 Marshall Hall, 315-470-6574, rnyland@mailbox.syr.edu

Volk, Timothy A., Research Associate
Short Rotation Intensive Culture Forestry, International Forestry
346 Illick Hall. 315-470-6774, tavolk@esf.edu

Yanai, Ruth D., Associate Professor
Forest Ecology and Nutrient Cycling
210 Marshall Hall, 315-470-6955, rdyanai@mailbox.syr.edu

Contact Us

John E. Wagner
Associate Professor of Forest Resource Economics
Graduate Education Coordinator - FNRM
320 Bray Hall, One Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2788
Phone: (315) 470-6971
Fax: (315) 470-6535