Biotechnology Lab
From the David Holli Forest Ecology Lab, where special instruments are available for studying water, plant and soil samples, to the Lignin Biochemistry Lab, where students and faculty conduct studies on lignin biosynthesis in genetically modified tree species, the School's laboratories provide our students with the top technology and instrumentation needed to stay current in progressive areas of research.
Bronze Sculpture
"Timber Cruiser" was dedicated in recognition of Bonnie Robbins' ardent support of wildlife education and sustainable forestry practices.
Computer Lab
The Graduate Computer Lab is conveniently located around the corner from the graduate student office area. The lab, which is equipped with the latest computing and printing technology, is accessible by students twenty-four hours a day.
Faculty Offices
Faculty offices are located throughout Horner Hall. The quiet atmosphere provides faculty members with a relaxed office setting for meeting with undergraduate and graduate students, preparing for class, and working on research projects.
Featured Items
The School's display cases are educational tools featuring current research, projects of interest, information on the environment in general, and historical facts about the School and natural resources education.
Greenhouse
The School's greenhouse provides an ideal environment for both research and classroom (or laboratory) learning. Students have the option to work here while enrolled in the Earn-and-Learn program, which awards $1,000 to all new students for working in an area of research within the School during their first year.
Hesterberg Atrium
The focal point of the School's building is its beautiful atrium. The large support beams represent trees, and the roof structure represents a forest canopy. An auditorium with state-of-the-art equipment is located on the lower atrium level. Hesterberg Hall was made possible by the generosity of Gene Hesterberg (department head, 1962-1980). Gene was known for providing advice and support to many young foresters, helping them get on track for careers in their field.
Hesterberg Atrium
Over fifty flags are displayed in the atrium representing diverse backgrounds of our students and the countries Peace Corps Master's International students served in.
Horner Hall
Horner Hall, made possible by a gift from Robert and Virginia Horner, houses faculty and graduate student office spaces, which places them near many of the School's teaching and research labs.
Peace Corps Program
Michigan Tech and the Peace Corps have teamed up to design a graduate program for students who are interested in not only a career in forestry, environmental sciences and policy, and natural resource management, but also the rewarding experience of serving abroad. The program combines a master's degree with a year of Peace Corps service.
Research Labs
The School's laboratories are home to research projects in the areas of cloning, propagation, soil and plant studies, lignin biosynthesis of trees, entomology, wildlife survival, wetlands ecology studies, chemical modification of wood-fibers and their surface characterization, and tree and forest diseases and insect infestations.
Teaching Labs
Teaching labs provide our students with hands-on learning experiences in natural resource applications. These labs are made possible through the generous support of our alumni and friends. Wooden plaques near each doorway identify the donors.
U. J. Noblet Forestry and Wood Products Building
The forestry building was completed on this site in 1967, and it was renamed the U. J. Noblet Forestry and Wood Products Building in 1994. Ubald J. Noblet established the forestry department in 1936 and served as its first department head from 1936 until his retirement in 1962. This original part of the School is home to the Student Job Center and administrative offices.
Wildlife Art Exhibit
The Donald W. Carmody Wildlife Art Exhibit, made possible through the generosity of William and Erlene Carmody, consists of ninety-six prints and five original watercolors. This art collection features the work of artists Dietmar Krumrey, Roger Tory Peterson, and David A. Maas.
Wood Murals
A special gallery of beautiful router-relief panels pays tribute to donors and to Honor Academy members, alumni and friends of the School who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers. The panels depict scenes of historical interest and can be found throughout the hallways of the School.
Welcome to the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, and the Keweenaw Peninsula.
We are currently searching for a Dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. We are located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, an area attractive to students and faculty who thrive in a picturesque environment. The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is one of the most productive forest research programs in the country. The Dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science will lead a unit presently comprised of 25 tenure-track faculty, 5 research faculty, 18 research professionals, 19 administrative professionals, 70 graduate students, and 160 undergraduates.
You can access the official vacancy announcement here and the job description here. Electronic applications can be submitted here.
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
The faculty and staff of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science are committed to educating students to create the future in the fields of forestry, forest ecology and management, applied ecology and environmental sciences, wildlife ecology and management, and molecular genetics and biotechnology. All of our degree programs emphasize field and lab techniques, geographic information systems, and computer and quantitative skills. We excel at bringing all our students together to work as a team to address questions and solve problems related to our complex natural world and the needs of society. Our mission, as stated in the School’s Strategic Plan, is to foster excellence in forestry and ecological science.
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently ranked the school first in Faculty Scholarly Productivity. The school’s faculty members were also ranked No. 1 in the number of forestry journal citations by a study published in the Journal of Forestry. Michigan Tech also leads the world’s longest study of predator-prey relationships, the fifty-year investigation of wolves and moose on Isle Royale. The school leads the ASPEN FACE (Free-Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment) experiment, a long-term study of the effects of ozone and carbon dioxide on northern forests. Faculty working in biotechnology and genomics play major roles in national research programs in hardwoods genomic resources focusing on oak and honey locust and the genetic improvement of lignocellulosic products for bioenergy production. The program offered by the school is also the largest Society of American Foresters accredited forestry program in Michigan. The School and University offer trans-Atlantic dual-MS programs. The unit offers a thriving, SAF-accredited Master of Forestry degree and Masters of Science degrees in Forestry, Forest Ecology and Management, Applied Ecology and Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. Doctoral degrees are offered in Forest Science and Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. These programs cover a variety of specialization lines in the underlying fields.
Research activity within the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is thriving. We attribute our successes—including a top ranking for number of research citations per faculty member—in part to the collaborative atmosphere within the School and the University as a whole. The School is home to two of Michigan Tech's major research centers: the Ecosystem Science Center and the Biotechnology Research Center. Opportunities for collaboration on a multidisciplinary level are available within the Sustainable Futures Institute, the Michigan Tech Research Institute, and the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute, as well as other University areas. The exceptional effort and individual attention put forth by faculty to help students incorporate research into their studies attracts both undergraduate and graduate students to our degree programs.
A USDA Forest Service ecosystems lab is co-located with the School and offers additional opportunities for collaboration and access to facilities, including a rhizotron. The Forest Service lab and Michigan Tech work cooperatively as part of the Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science.
The School has a 93,000-square-foot teaching and research facility, and has state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that includes advanced capabilities in molecular biology and a wetlands laboratory. The School owns a mass spectrometer for isotope analysis (18O and 13C) with a water extraction line.
Forty scenic miles from the main campus, the Ford Center is a 4,547 acre facility for research and education operated by the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. The Integrated Fall Practicum or “Fall Camp” for juniors is held there each fall, and some of the activities of the hands-on Forestry and Environmental Resource Management (or “FERM”) program are located at the Center and surrounding Ford Forest. Physical facilities are designed to accommodate programs of education, research, and service. A modern dormitory and related facilities can provide year-round housing for 94 people. A dining hall, four classrooms, a large conference/meeting room, and office buildings provide support facilities.
The Isle Royale Institute is located within the school and works on education, research and outreach. The School has a long standing relationship with Isle Royale National Park and has worked with the park on research and management issues.
The formal description of the organization of the School as outlined in School Charter includes a list of the dean’s responsibilities.
Michigan Tech
Founded in 1885, Michigan Tech has developed a reputation as a leader among technology oriented educational institutions. U.S. News and World Report ranks it among the top 50 public national universities, and it ranks number three among the safest campuses in the country. More than 7,000 students of diverse ages, races, and nationalities pursue their education on our beautiful campus and over 5,000 acres of extended lands. The university’s commitment to service makes it an economic, cultural, and societal leader in the region. The university’s commitment to excellence is found in the University Strategic Plan.
Michigan Tech places a priority on a diverse campus. We have an active program, funded by an NSF ADVANCE grant, to increase the proportion of women among the students and faculty, and the Women In Science and Engineering faculty group meets on a regular basis to provide a network for female faculty in STEM departments. We also have an active campaign to significantly increase the proportion of underrepresented minorities among our undergraduate and graduate students by 2020. The campus has an active Pride community, which hosts regular educational events and social gatherings. Both the students and faculty are increasingly represented by nationalities from all continents, and our international community is supported by programs and staff at our International Programs and Services office.
Community Information
Michigan Tech is located in Houghton on Upper Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw Peninsula is an area with a wide range of outdoor activities a, Lake Superior surrounds us, providing opportunities for wind surfing, kayaking, sailing and snowmobiling. Part of a broader cross-country skiing trail network, the Michigan Tech Trails have been the site of both the senior and junior national cross-country ski championships.
The towns of Houghton and Hancock have a combined population of approximately 12,000. The downtowns bustle with restaurants, brewpubs, coffee shops, and retail stores. The Houghton County Memorial airport is just 15 minutes from campus, and is serviced by United Airlines. While rural and remote, Michigan Tech and the local area provide the wide range of cultural events you would expect in a university setting, while remaining conducive to small town living, studying, and recreational opportunities in all four seasons.