Van R. Kane Research Professor vkane@uw.edu Van R. Kane is a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences and a member of the Precision Forestry Collaborative in the University of Washington’s, College of the Environment. He leads the Forest Resilience Lab. Read more

Co-Manager

Dr. Liz van Wagtendonk
Senior Research Scientist

vanwag3@uw.edu

Dr. Kane and I work closely to oversee the development and implementation of our lab’s activities including mentoring students and overseeing the implementation of grant funded research projects within the FRL. While my research focuses on the application of high-resolution remote sensing data and artificial intelligence to map and predict overstory tree condition, I work closely with researchers and managers to put our research into action by improving our assessment, understanding, and management support of tree-based ecosystems. Prior to joining the lab, I gained research and work experience as an aquatic biologist, conservation and land use planner, and GIS manager at local and state agencies and on-profit organizations.

The highlight of my work is partnering and collaborating with staff, researchers, and policy makers at the University of Washington and beyond including but not limited to tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and across a number of local, state, and federal agencies. Our lab believes that building relationships based on sound science, mutual trust, respect, and drive best supports the development of students and the work that we produce.

Students

Iris Mire PhD Student imire@uw.edu I am a PhD student in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at UW. Further coming soon…

Hannah Redford PhD Student hredford@uw.edu Hannah is a MS student in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at UW and is a part of Dr. Van Kane’s Forest Resilience Laboratory. She graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas and spent her summers doing wildland fire and conservation work. Prior to moving to Washington, she worked at Tall Timbers Research Station in Florida designing terrestrial LiDAR applications for land managers and prescribed fire users. Hannah’s current research focuses on using airborne LiDAR to detect and predict forest regeneration failure after high severity wildfires in the Sierra Nevada region.

Gina R. Cova PhD Student cova@uw.edu Gina is a PhD student in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington working with Dr. Van Kane and Dr. Susan Prichard. Her research investigates changing patterns and drivers of fire severity across western North American forests, with a focus on developing tools and methods to aid forest and fire management. Prior to joining the Forest Resilience Lab, she worked as a geospatial analyst and consultant for GreenInfo Network and served as a Geoinformatics Fellow at NASA Ames Research Center for the NASA DEVELOP National Program. She holds a B.A. in Geography and Geospatial Information Science from UC Berkeley.

Pratima K C PhD Student upanpra@uw.edu Pratima is Ph.D. student at the University of Washington working with Dr. Van Kane and Dr. Moskal in the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory. In the past, she has worked on large-scale vegetation responses to drought indices using remote sensing data. Currently, she is using lidar, multi- and hyperspectral datasets to investigate relationships between forest structure and disturbance patterns. In particular, she is interested in analyzing forest resilience to disturbance processes such as fire and drought to develop better land management practices. She is also investigating the spatial distribution of woody shrub vegetation across interior Alaska.

Caden Chamberlain PhD Student cc274@uw.eduCaden is a PhD Candidate in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. His research uses remote sensing datasets, statistical modeling, and geospatial techniques to evaluate how management and disturbances interact with forest ecosystems across western North America. His primary objective is to conduct research that will better inform climate-smart forest management. Caden holds a BS in Forestry from Northern Arizona University and has over 6 years of experience working field-based conservation jobs. LinkedIn | Google Scholar

Research Scientists

Bryce Bartl-Geller Research Analyst bnbg@uw.edu Bryce is a graduate from SEFS (BS with a concentration in landscape ecology) where he started working with the lab, now working part-time he is a research analyst for the group. His studies have included tree mortality detection from LiDAR intensity data, remotely sensed measurements of canopy cover, and the impact of fire severity on pattern and structure in post-fire environments.         Astrid Sanna Research Scientist astrid87@uw.edu I am a research scientist in the FRL. I completed my master’s degree t in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences and a member of the Forest Resilience Lab and Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Lab. My scientific interests are focused on the intersection of fire ecology, forest management, and remote sensing. I am driven by my aspiration to promote sustainable forest management practices that foster resilient forests. My research primarily centers on evaluating the effectiveness of fuel treatments in influencing fire severity. I utilize airborne LiDAR-derived fuel consumption data and satellite-derived burn severity indexes as indicators of fire severity in my work. I actively contributed to projects related to AGC monitoring and tree mortality, and I strive to make a positive impact on the future of our forests. Outside of my academic pursuits, I find joy in various activities. I’m passionate about cooking, particularly plant-based meals that align with my commitment to sustainability and compassion. My love for travel, hiking, camping, and Latin American dance further fuels my zest for life.

Precision Forest Collaborative Associates of the Forest Resilience Lab

Dr. Monika Moskal Director, Precision Forestry Collaborative lmmoskal@uw.edu Dr. Moskal is an Associate Professor of Remote Sensing in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS), within the College of Environment. She serves as the Associate Director of SEFS, Director of the Precision Forestry Cooperative (PFC), and Director of the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory (RSGAL). As Directory of the PFC, she is broadly interested in how urban, managed and natural forests are structured, how that structure can change, whether through fire or other disturbances, and how we in turn can detect those changes.

Jonathan Kane Research Analyst jontkane@uw.edu Jonathan is a full-time research scientist working with PFC labs. He focuses on landscape ecology using remote sensing, particularly lidar. His research includes modeling the effects and correlates of wildfire, and quantifying wildfire habitat using lidar.

Dr. Alina Cansler Post Doctoral acansler@uw.edu Dr. C. Alina Cansler is a Professor at the University of Montana. Her research focuses on wildfire disturbances, climate change, and landscape ecology. To learn more about her research Read more

Susan Prichard Research Scientist sprich@uw.edu Dr. Prichard is a research scientist at the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) and study fire ecology, landscape vegetation and fire dynamics, and fire and fuels management. Her main interests are in the effects of fire and other disturbances on forest dynamics, climatic change on forest ecosystems, and fuel treatment options to mitigate wildfire effects. She has her own FLAME (Fire Landscapes Adaptive Management Ecology) lab Read more

Sean Jeronimo Affiliated Faculty jeronimo@uw.edu He is an affiliated faculty of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. He is a lead analyst at resilient forestry.