Jodi Forrester

Focused on real-world applications of forest ecology, Jodi Forrester is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University. Her research is dedicated to understanding the intricate relationships between forest structure, decomposition, and biodiversity. Through her work, she aims to contribute to sustainable forest management practices and enhance our understanding of ecological processes. Jodi's scholarly contributions include a variety of publications that delve into the complexities of forest ecosystems. Notably, she has explored the effectiveness of acoustic velocity as an indirect measurement of branchiness in standing longleaf pine, providing insights into non-invasive methods for assessing tree structure. Her research also highlights the significant link between wood-decay fungal communities and decay rates, shedding light on the critical role fungi play in forest nutrient cycling. Her investigations extend to the effects of experimental manipulations of forest structure and deer pressure on groundlayer response, offering valuable data on how these factors influence forest dynamics. This work is crucial for developing strategies to manage forest ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions and human impacts. In addition to her research, Jodi has been successful in securing grants for various projects that further her exploration of forest ecosystems. Her projects include evaluating the Fraser Fir ecosystem and monitoring the Carolina hemlock ecosystem, both of which are vital for understanding the health and sustainability of these unique forest types. Jodi's dedication to her field is evident in her commitment to advancing knowledge in forest ecology and her active engagement in projects that have practical implications for forest conservation and management. Her work not only contributes to academic discourse but also informs policy and practice in forestry and environmental resource management.