Joseph D. Birch, PhD
I am a research associate with the Miesel Fire and Ecosystem Ecology lab at Michigan State University, East Lansing. 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.
ORCID: 0000-0001-8644-7345
Research Associate: Michigan State University
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.