Mission

Rooted in place-based experiential learning and rigorous research, The Forest School within the Yale School of the Environment educates scientists and practitioners to apply forest ecology and social dynamics in their work around the globe. We are a hub for connecting forests and people across disciplines, cultivating collaborations, initiatives, and research that underscore the importance of forests within the broader environmental field. As a school community, we train leaders in the field to be systems thinkers with dynamic and adaptive expertise, developing sustainable solutions for the critical challenges of our time.

Vision

We seek to lead in advancing science and educating professionals to develop collaborative research, policy, and practice that address vital and compelling issues facing forests and people globally. We strive to do so justly and equitably, elevating a diversity of voices, and in respectful relationships with the land and one another.

Governance

The Forest School maintains unique governance bodies and structure within the Yale School of the Environment to shape The Forest School and enact our vision, mission, and strategic plan.  

Core Leadership

• Mark Ashton
  Senior Associate Dean of the Forest School
• Gary Dunning
  Executive Director, The Forest School
• Liz Felker
  Assistant Director, The Forest School
• Sara Santiago
  Forest Fellow, Communications, Outreach, and Extension, The Forest School
• Lisa O’Brien
  Sr. Finance Coordinator, The Forest School
• Yihong Zhu and Joshua Friedlein
  Forestry Learning Community Student Coordinators

Management Team

The management team is composed of our core staff and faculty as well as leaders from our affiliated Centers and Programs and Students Interest Groups (SIGs). These individuals are committed to setting up processes for The Forest School, managing the forestry curriculum, collectively enacting our mission and vision, and strategic decision-making regarding academics, research, Centers and Programs, and programming and initiatives of the School.

Governance Group

The governance group provides guidance and advice into the strategic actions and goals of The Forest School. Members of the Management Team sit on the Governance Group, in addition to broader YSE faculty and representatives from key YSE Offices including Academic Affairs, Admissions, Career Development, Communications, the Dean’s Office, Development and Alumni Services, and Strategic Initiatives.