Joseph D. Birch, PhD
I am a research associate who currently studies the bi-directional interactions between belowground microbial communities and forest dynamics in western North American forests. I am particularly interested in how aboveground disturbances (e.g., fire, insects, wind) interact with belowground microbial symbionts, pathogens, and saprotrophs. The causes and consequences of spatial patterns in forests (both above- and below-ground) are another key research interest - particularly as it relates to long-term forest growth, survival and climatic sensitivity.
I have a strong proficiency and interest in working with large datasets, particularly those with temporal replication, involving sequencing data, and using spatially explicit mapping of point patterns.
I am currently looking for new employment in the fields of data analysis, ecology, forestry, fire ecology, or soil health! Please contact me if you think I might be suitable for a role with your organization.
ORCID: 0000-0001-8644-7345
Research Associate
PhD, Forest Biology and Management, University of Alberta (2021)
BSc, Conservation and Restoration Ecology, Utah State University (2016)
Current projects
Belowground ecology after wildfire and insect outbreaks
How do belowground microbial communities respond to wildfires and other disturbances? I aim to find out!
Connecting belowground processes to aboveground forest health
How do disturbance-altered microbial communities influence the resource allocation, growth, and survival of trees?
Old-growth fungal ecology
My ongoing research involves disentangling how belowground fungi interact and change with trees through time.
Post-fire mixed-conifer forest ecology
My post-fire research in California uses the globally unique Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT) network of plots to address how wildfire behavior influences forest resilience.