Areas of Research

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is recognized worldwide for our cutting-edge research. Our efforts not only lead to new breakthroughs in industry practices, they serve as a valuable training ground for students interested in working on the frontline of their chosen fields. Our innovative ideas and projects lead to sustainable real-world solutions and solidify us as the go-to place to solve natural resources challenges.

Environmental Science and Technology

We are working to understand and address the economic, social, political and environmental impact of human interactions with nature.

Hydrology and Watershed Management

Our faculty are leaders in the development of long-lasting, sustainable solutions––solidifying us as the go-to place for solutions to society’s grand water challenges.

Forest Health

Our research examines the impacts human activity have on both natural and urban ecosystems, and their critical role in forest pest epidemiology.

Geospatial Analytics

Our faculty are leaders in the burgeoning field of Geospatial Analytics, pushing frontiers in spatial modeling and remote sensing of the environment.

Forest Genetics

We use a variety of tools to enhance and restore forest ecosystems and increase their productivity and economic value to landowners.

Public Science

Through our research, we offer additional options to engage with the public from the beginning to the end of the research process through citizen science projects.

Forest Management

Our research fortifies forestry sciences that inform conservation, ensure productive management and foster the development of new silvicultural systems.

Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology

Ranked second nationally for our research productivity, we specialize in impacts of global change on wildlife, human dimensions and wildlife, and urban ecology.

Natural Resources Economics and Policy

Our research examines the impact of social and economic factors on policy development and enforcement of sustainable forestry management and practices from both a domestic and international lens.

Research News

How ‘Shark Week’ Could Inspire Love For Ocean Predators

Findings from a new study indicate positive YouTube videos could be a useful tool for shark conservation. 

Extreme Heat is Getting Worse. Is North Carolina’s Power Grid Ready?

North Carolinians are consuming record amounts of electricity as the summers grow longer and hotter. 

What the Supreme Court’s EPA Ruling Means for Climate Action

The ruling won’t necessarily cause greenhouse gas emissions to increase, according to one NC State expert.