PhD Student in Natural Resources

I grew up in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and began pursuing graduate studies after several years working as a practicing forester in southern New England. This background has driven an interest in applied research that includes perspectives of practitioners and results in practices that can be implemented on the ground. My research involves understanding stand dynamics and application of silvicultural techniques in an era of change. More specifically, I focus on how forest structure may contribute to the adaptive capacity of forests and how management can enhance forest structural diversity while still meeting a broad set of societal goals.

Prospective graduate students interested in learning more about research and experiences in the Rubenstein School may contact me.

Publications

  • Carpenter, R., Ward, E.B., Wikle, J., Duguid, M.C., Bradford, M.A., Ashton, M.S., 2021. Soil nutrient recovery after shelterwood timber harvesting in a temperate oak hardwood forest: Insights using a twenty-five-year chronosequence. Forest Ecology and Management 499, 119604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119604
  • Mossman, A., Lambert, M.R., Ashton, M.S., Wikle, J., Duguid, M.C., 2019. Two salamander species respond differently to timber harvests in a managed New England forest. PeerJ 7, e7604. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7604
  • Ward, J.S., Wikle, J., 2019. Increased Individual Tree Growth Maintains Stand Volume Growth after B-Level Thinning and Crop-Tree Management in Mature Oak Stands. for sci 65, 784–795. https://doi.org/10.1093/forsci/fxz042
  • Wikle, J., Duguid, M., Ashton, M.S., 2019. Legacy forest structures in irregular shelterwoods differentially affect regeneration in a temperate hardwood forest. Forest Ecology and Management 454, 117650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2019.117650

Associations and Affiliations

  • Society of American Foresters
  • Forest Stewards Guild
  • New England Women Foresters Collaborative
Jess Wikle

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

Silviculture, forest management

Advisor: Anthony D'Amato

Education

  • M.S. Forest Science, Yale School of the Environment 2018
  • B.S. Forestry, University of New Hampshire 2009
  • A.A. Bard Early College at Simon’s Rock 2002

Contact

Office Location:

303F Aiken Center