MF

At F&ES, Andrew Wilcox ’18 M.F. pursued research on the forefront of remote sensing, machine learning, and drones. In an interview, he discusses his research into drone technology, how it might yield insights into the efficacy of swidden agriculture, and the potential future for the traditional farming method.

Early in his career, Michael Jenkins ’88 M.F. came to realize that traditional conservation methods would have limited effectiveness until they put a proper value on the natural world. Over the past two decades Jenkins, the CEO and founder of Forest Trends, has helped change the equation.

Mark Ashton ’85 M.F., ’90 Ph.D., the Morris K. Jesup Professor of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, was named the sixth recipient of the 2019 David M. Smith Award by the New England Society of American Foresters at the group’s winter meeting in March. The 

As an F&ES student, Jim Lyons ’79 M.F. was advised to branch out and take classes that didn’t focus on just forestry. After 40 years in education, conservation, and politics, the Distinguished Alumni Award winner reflects on how important that advice has been for his career.

Wildland firefighters who already face many risks during a typical season are confronted by a new threat this year: COVID-19. In an interview, Yale student James Puerini, who spent five years as a wildland firefighter, discusses why these firefighters are vulnerable to the virus and how government can better protect crews by providing healthcare assurances.

A decade ago, the Forests Dialogue, an F&ES-based initiative that promotes dialogue between stakeholders in forest regions, ventured into a region of northwest Russia. In the years since, the Komi Dialogue has developed into an ongoing, multi-stakeholder platform that has served as a powerful convening tool.

In early February, researchers, practitioners, and students from around the world gathered at Yale to discuss the challenges of deforestation and sustainable livelihoods at the annual International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF) conference.

Andy Beck — a joint-degree student who had no forestry experience before coming to Yale — talks about why he decided to become a “forester” and the impacts of forestry decisions on the landscape.

• Read more about Spotlight: Hugh Brown ’10 MF

• Read more about Spotlight: Ki’ila Salas ’19 MF