New research out of UW’s Prugh Lab, led by PhD student Katie Breen, uses time-lapse imagery and a deep learning model to extract snow depth quickly and affordably

Researchers worldwide set up “snow depth poles,” whereby they put a measuring pole in front of a camera, in places that lack a weather station or when the use of LiDAR may be cost prohibitive. 

New research led by Assistant Professor Claire Willing sheds light on how mycorrhizal fungi shape plant community structure and diversity

A new study led by Assistant Professor Claire Willing, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, explores how root-associated mycorrhizal fungi influence plant competition, coexistence, and the diversity of plant communities. The research focused on two widespread types of fungi,  Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi (EMF), which associate with nearly all tree species and profoundly affect forest health, influencing nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and pathogen resistance. 

SEFS Assistant Professor Sameer Shah’s new research looks at coastal communities and what can make them more resilient to climate change

New research co-led by Professor Shah and published in the journal Nature looks at whether or not building sustainable settlements on the water is a feasible option for climate adaptation. From houseboats and floating markets to reclaimed land and amphibious houses, living on the water is a way of life for many communities around the world. 

A Message From Clare Ryan, SEFS Acting Director: Fall 2024

Autumn quarter is moving into view and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to SEFS students, staff, and faculty. Welcome back! As you may know, I am filling in through the end of December 2024 as Acting Director for Dan Brown while he takes a brief and well-deserved sabbatical. 

SEFS field station, the ONRC, and its research scientists featured in The Seattle Times: UW program works with tribes to fight toxins behind shellfish harvesting closures

The Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC) out on the Olympic Peninsula in Forks, Washington is working with four tribes in the region to test for potentially deadly shellfish toxins. The Quinault Indian Nation, Hoh, Quileute and Makah tribal members have been trained by Anthony Odell, an ONRC Research Analyst, to collect and sample razor clams for algal species and toxins, specifically domoic acid.  

SEFS in the News: June – August 2024

Browse recent mentions of SEFS researchers in the news. Have news to share? Send your updates to sefscomm@uw.edu.

Assistant Professor Greg Bratman interviewed on Oregon Public Radio. Bratman’s research on how the smells of nature can affect human well-being are discussed. 

Associate Professor Heidi Gough featured at the Joint Fund Research Symposium at Ain Shams University in Cairo

 
The Joint Fund Research Symposium took place on June 5, 2024 at the Ain Shams University Innovation Hub in Cairo, Egypt. With over 100 attendees from the United States and Egypt, the research symposium aims to explore how science-based cooperation can advance innovation and diplomacy between the U.S. 

SEFS remembers College of Forest Resources faculty member, Robert Lee

We are saddened to share the news that former College of Forest Resources faculty member, Robert Lee, passed away on July 12, 2024, at age 83. Professor Lee was a member of the College of Forest Resources from 1978 to 2008. 

SEFS Emeritus Professor Robert Edmonds gifts his book on the history of forestry education and research to UW alums, students, faculty and the public

SEFS Emeritus Professor Robert Edmonds has penned a detailed history of forestry at the University of Washington. His well-researched book offers an in-depth, 113-year account of the evolution of the teaching, research, and outreach programs of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. 

SEFS Professor Aaron Wirsing co-authors new international research on sharks in the Anthropocene ocean

The study published in Science, “The roles and importance of sharks in the Anthropocene ocean” involved most of the leading shark experts from around the world. The international study reveals that most species affected by fishing are those most needed for healthy oceans.