Using our natural resources wisely while maintaining or enhancing their productive capacity is a guiding concept of research projects at the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Research interests of our faculty and graduates students include the areas listed below.

See more about our Research, Faculty, and Collaborators

See "Research at Penn State's Department of Ecosystem Science and Management," an article published in the Spring 2007 issue of Pennsylvania Forests that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the school, for more detailed examples of research conducted in these areas.

Wood Products

  • Wood properties and technology related to new products and markets

  • Engineered wood products

  • Wood composites

  • Business to business marketing

  • Regional and international marketing

Forest Management

  • Management and policy analyses of public and private lands

  • Economic development of forest industries

  • Decision systems for timber management

  • Remote sensing and geographic information systems

  • Urban forestry and arboriculture

Forest Biology

  • Ecology and physiology of hardwood forests

  • Regeneration and genetic improvement of hardwoods

  • Management strategies for gypsy moth and other pests

  • Genetic improvement of landscape and Christmas trees

  • Sludge applications to forests and mined lands

Water and Wetlands

  • Water quality technology, watershed management

  • Chemistry of atmospheric deposition

  • Wetlands science, restoration and management

  • Simulated freshwater ecosystems and stress effects

Wildlife and Fisheries

  • Avian community dynamics and habitats

  • Wildlife ecology and habitat management

  • Ecology and systematics of fishes

  • Management of fish populations and habitats

We encourage you to correspond with faculty members or to visit the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management to discuss study and research opportunities available to you.