Joseph D. Birch, PhD

I am a research associate at University of Idaho, Moscow, ID and working remotely at Utah State University in Logan, UT.  I currently study the post-wildfire recovery and carbon dynamics of mixed-conifer forests in California, USA. My research interests include exploring the intersections of above- and below-ground ecosystem ecology of western conifer forests. In particular, I have a deep passion and interest in belowground fungal ecology, dendroecology, and old-growth forests. 

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.

Google Scholar

ResearchGate

ORCID: 0000-0001-8644-7345 

Research Associate: University of Idaho

PhD, Forest Biology and Management, University of Alberta (2021)

BSc, Conservation and Restoration Ecology, Utah State University (2016)

Current and future projects 

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. 

Post-fire belowground ecology


How do belowground fungal communities respond to wildfire? I aim to find out!


Old-growth fungal ecology


My ongoing research involves disentangling how belowground fungi interact and change with trees through time.


Tree-rings


I am passionate about utilizing any aspects of dendroecology to address above- and below-ground forest processes through time. 


 

Questions?