Dr. Curtis A. Gray
Forest Ecology - Fire Ecology - Remote Sensing - GIS
EDUCATION
Utah State University, Ph.D. in Ecology
San Diego State University, M.S. in Geography
Emphasis: Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
University of California, Santa Barbara, B.S. Geography and Environmental Studies
Emphasis: Natural Resource Management
Research Interests:
My research interests revolve around forest resources management, forest ecology, disturbance ecology, remote sensing/GIS, forest hydrology, and quantitative analysis. Specifically, I focus on studying the interaction of disturbance agents in conifer forests across extensive spatial areas and prolonged time periods. My research primarily centers on the Great Basin bristlecone pine, particularly in high elevation systems.
I hold a PhD in Forest Ecology from Utah State University, where my doctoral work investigated the influence of climate variability on the frequency and severity of ecological disturbances in the sky islands of the Great Basin bristlecone pine. Additionally, I possess a master's degree in Geography with a specialization in Remote Sensing/GIS from San Diego State University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies/Geography from UCSB.
Prior to my tenure at Utah State University, I gained valuable professional experience as an ecologist for California State Parks, contributing to ecological preservation efforts. Furthermore, I worked as a GIS consultant for CalFIRE and the US Forest Service Remote Sensing Laboratory, honing my skills in geospatial analysis and remote sensing techniques.
Current Projects:
Spatiotemporal patterns of aquatic heatwaves in western US rivers
Interactions of forests and snowmelt in Chillán, Chile (Postdoctoral project: Universidad de Chile, Departamento de Ingeniería Civil)
Lago Cochran, Chile
NPS The Midden: Measuring Fuels in Bristlecone Pine Communities
The Salt Lake Tribune: As beetles ravage Western forests, the ancient bristlecone remains unscathed
See the up coming Using Drones in Environmental Restoration course.
View our paper on "Fuels Changes in Whitebark Pine" on in the Nutcracker Notes
Collaborators:
Sarah Null, Utah State University
Janice Brahney, Utah State University
Sudeep Chandra, University of Nevada, Reno
James McPhee, Universidad de Chile
Michaela Teich, Utah State University
Michael Jenkins, Utah State University
Janet Franklin, San Diego State University
Justin Runyon, U.S. Forest Service
Danielle Malesky, U.S. Forest Service
Larissa Yocom, Utah State University