Contact Information

Education

B.S.F. Louisiana State University

M.S. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Ph.D. Auburn University

Area of Specialization

• Timber harvesting
• Logging business issues

My interests are focused on solving operational problems with forest harvesting and the wood supply system. Much of my research is field-based and involves the cooperation of forest industry or logging contractors, who have been very supportive of my research efforts. The findings of our research are not only published in refereed scientific journal but also in industry trade magazines. I see applied research, continuing education shortcourses, and college classrooms as an interconnected loop with information from each benefiting the other.

Courses Taught

FRES 1010 Freshman Seminar -- Renewable Energy Options with Sustainable Forestry

This course familiarizes students with the sources and scale of our energy use and the role that sustainable forest  management could play in the expanded use of renewable energy.

FORS 1100 Natural Resource Conservation

Introduction to the general principles and contemporary issues related to ecology and management of wildlife, fish, forests, and rangelands; natural resources recreation and tourism; conservation of water, wetlands, and soil resources; and renewable and non-renewable energy. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to advance beyond the simplistic portrayal of environmental dilemmas offered by mass media and gain a firmer basis for environmental stewardship, responsible citizenship, and action on environmental issues. Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters every year.

FORS 3000 Field Orientation and Measurements in Forest Resources

I teach the lab portion of this class at least one semester each year. This includes field practice with forest surveying and orienteering with map, compass, and pacing; basic land measurements; land subdivision systems in Georgia and the USA; use of the Global Positioning System; and basic field measurements of vegetation from understory to standing timber.

FORS 4650 Forestry Field Camp

Our “summer camp” course is being restored in the summer of 2007. I collaborate with other forestry faculty to help with this three-week course taught during our Maymester term. During the week when I serve as primary instructor, we visit active forest harvesting and mill operations across Georgia.

FORS 4850/6850 Forest Operations Study Tour

This is a week-long field trip taken in late summer each year just before fall classes resume. I am one of several faculty who help coordinate and lead this trip in various years. Over the past 10 years, our trips have visited nearly every state and forest cover type in the South.

FORS 4730 Senior Project in Forest Resources Management

This is our capstone resource management class. Each spring semester Dr. Karl Miller and I collaborate in facilitating this course. Undergraduate students form teams and prepare a resource management plan for an actual landowner or client on a piece of property that they own or control.

FORS 5720/7720 Forest Harvesting and Roads

Forestry majors are required to take this course that introduces them to the equipment and systems used to harvest timber. They also learn how to estimate production rates and costs of harvesting systems and become familiar with the myriad of laws and regulations that affect these operations. At the end of the semester students prepare a harvest plan for future timber sale on an actual forest property.

FORS 7900 Forest Operations Management and Planning

This is a graduate course designed for students with interests in forest business. It introduces students to management science concepts such as mathematical programming, simulation, queuing, and inventory control that they then use to tackle case studies of forest business situations.

FORS 8020 Biomass Seminar

This is a graduate course designed for students with interests in biomass use.

Current and Recent Projects

Recovery of Small Stems and Forest Residues for Bio-Based Products and Energy funded by the Georgia Traditional Industries Program (TIP3)

Harvesting Systems for the Recovery of Small Stems and Forest Residues funded by the Georgia Traditional Industries Program (TIP3)

Status and Future Sustainability of the U.S. Wood Supply System funded by the Wood Supply Research Institute

Reducing forest fuels through better product sorting funded by USDA Southern Research Station

Value Recovery with Cut-to-Length Harvesting Systems in the Southeastern USA funded by the USDA Southern Research Station

Causes and Costs of Unused Wood Production Capacity funded by the Wood Supply

2007 Forest Products Society Annual Meeting

Results of biomass harvesting research as presented by Michael Westbrook in Knoxville, TN, June 2007.

Southeastern Bioenergy Conference

Discussion of biomass harvesting and study results as presented by Shawn Baker in Tifton, GA, August 2007.

Southeastern Wood Producers Association -- Intro to Biomass

Discussion of key factors driving interest in biomass and bioenergy as presented by Dale Greene in Macon, GA, August, 2007

Southeastern Wood Producers Association -- Results

Discussion of biomass harvesting research as presented by Dale Greene in Macon, GA, August 2007

About Me

I enjoy most things outdoors, particularly hunting, fishing (fresh and salt), and camping with my family. I serve as an adult volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 1 in Athens. My family enjoys following sports, particularly college football and baseball. We are involved in a number of ways at Athens First United Methodist Church (http://www.athensfirstumc.org/) where I help lead a Disciple Bible Study class and teach our 11th and 12th grade Sunday School class. I also participate in the UGA Christian Faculty Forum, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.