Ecosystem Ecologist and
Soil Biogeochemist
EDUCATION
2007 - 2011
Endicott College
Beverly, MA.
B.S. Environmental Science
2013 - 2015
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT.
M.A. Science Curriculum and Instruction
2017 - 2022
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT.
Ph.D. Ecology and Environmental Science
I am a broadly trained ecologist and environmental scientist whose work is focused on applied and fundamental aspects of terrestrial ecosystem biogeochemistry. My research aims to improve our understanding about the flow of carbon and nutrients through ecosystems and addresses how different aspects of global change (e.g., altered fire regimes, plant community shifts) are impacting how ecosystems function from a biogeochemical perspective. I use my research to help inform land managers and stakeholders about sustainable management practices in forest systems.
At present, I am balancing roles as a full-time teaching professor in the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science at the University of Montana and as a research fellow at the USFS Missoula Fire Sciences Lab in Missoula MT. I am developing an integrated research program between these two positions that will offer students the opportunity to assist in research projects examining fire effects on soils, plant communities, and biogeochemical cycles.
When I'm not teaching, in the lab, or in the field, you'll find me on the trail skiing, running, or biking—or spending time with my young family, though these activities are not mutually exclusive!
Announcements
Undergraduate researcher wanted for Summer 2026! Please reach out if you are interested in discussing this paid opportunity for Montana University System Students. For more information, click here for the PDF call.
Lab Updates
New lab member introduction (2026)
Declan Clark has joined the lab as an M.S student in the U.M. College of Forestry Systems Ecology program. Declan is co- advised by Dr. Ashley Ballantyne.
Cedar Lloyd has joined the lab as an M.S student via the U.M Environmental Studies program and is co-advised by Dr. Ylva Lekberg and Dr. Mark Sundeen.
Cady Pitner has joined the lab as an undergraduate researcher. She is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability at the University of Montana and will be working on how short-interval wildfire affects soil organic matter cycling, with a focus on mineral-associated and particulate organic matter fractions.
Larch Reforestation (2026)
New paper published in Fire Ecology! In this paper we evaluate the conditions that may support western larch reforestation efforts after high-severity fire in the western U.S. Available here
Return the Burn (2024)
New paper published in Biogeochemistry! In this paper we evaluate the biogeochemical impacts of prescribed fire in temperate grasslands experiencing increased conifer cover. Check out the (plain language) research highlight associated with this article in Nature Climate Change, available here.
Climate sensitivity of soil nitrogen cycling across tropical montane forests (2022)
Follow the link below to read a research summary about our work in Nature Communications on evaluating the global controls over soil nitrogen cycling in tropical montane forests.
Creating urgency in climate change with the 4-H community (2022)
In 2022 my wife and I were able to spend an evening with the Barnstable, MA youth 4-H chapter as the kickoff speakers for their Community Service Learning Initiative on Climate Change! Our talk aimed to help educate and motivate young adults to make climate concious changes in their community.
Contact me
Find me on Bluesky
