Burns receives Award in Forest Science
The Society of American Foresters recently honored Robert Burns, director of the
Division of Forestry and Natural Resources and professor of recreation, parks and
tourism resources in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design,
with its Award in Forest Science for 2020. The competitive award recognizes distinguished
individual research in any branch of the quantitative, managerial and/or social
sciences that has resulted in substantial advances in forestry.
Igniting research and management of public lands
As a leader on a national initiative to strengthen public lands recreation research
and management, Steve Selin, professor of recreation, parks and tourism resources,
served as editor of “Igniting the Science of Outdoor Recreation.” Published by
the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Station, the report offers a set of 17
papers addressing how changing demands are straining recreation infrastructure,
access and resources.
Stephens named to new energy advisory council
Heather Stephens, associate professor of resource economics and management, was named
to the advisory council for the new Ohio River Valley Institute. Launched in August
2020, the organization is focused on creating jobs by researching and promoting
a clean energy economy in the Appalachian regions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
and Kentucky.
Researching hot hemp
Interest in industrial hemp is increasing, regulations on levels tetrahydrocannabinol,
or THC, make growing the crop a financial gamble. To better understand the most
conducive environments for a successful harvest, Michael Gutensohn, assistant professor
of horticulture, is studying the environmental factors that lead to an accumulation
THC in the plant.
Energy for the future
With its abundance of forests and abandoned mine land, the Mid-Atlantic region is
poised to help meet the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly
energy and products. Jingxin Wang, professor of wood science and technology, is
spearheading a $10 million research project to develop a perennial multi-feedstock
production system that is sustainable and economically feasible for the region.
Recognizing excellence
Earlier this year, the Davis College recognized several faculty members for outstanding
efforts in teaching, research and service.
Outstanding Teaching
Elizabeth Byrd, teaching assistant professor of resource economics and management,
is an expert in agricultural economics, microeconomics and agricultural law. She
incorporates current events into class discussions which helps her students connect
class material to real-world situations.
Outstanding Research
An internationally recognized leader in water sciences, Jason Hubbart’s research
focuses on sustainability in water quality and quantity, watershed management and
how humans manage those resources. One of his current projects, the West Run Watershed
program, is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection
Agency.
Outstanding Service
Eugenia Pena-Yewtukhiw, associate professor of soil science, is director of the WVU
Soil Testing Laboratory. Through her lab, Pena-Yewtukhiw provides valuable information
to growers and private citizens who rely on the results and recommendations to make
important decisions on managing fertility in their fields or plots.