Jamis Bruening

I am a spatial ecologist and research scientist. My work addresses both basic and applied science questions in global forest ecology.  My interests include forest stand dynamics and ecological succession, understanding spatial variations in forest characteristics, and advancing methods in forest attribute mapping.  I use a combination of remote sensing, ground-based forest inventory, ecosystem modeling, and spatial analysis in my research.

I contribute to the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation's (GEDI) global biomass mapping products and algorithms (levels 4A and 4B).  I've developed innovations to GEDI's biomass prediction and estimation workflows, and help support a range of related efforts for the mission.  I also lead a separate research project in succession-related forest attribute mapping, in collaboration with U.S. government agencies and other research partners.

Prior to my current position, I completed my PhD research with Dr. Ralph Dubayah here in GEOG as a NASA FINESST recipient, in which I expanded our ability to leverage GEDI's forest structure measurements for insights into temporal forest dynamics throughout the U.S.  Before that, my masters work involved spatial topoclimate modeling of bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) treeline communities throughout the western U.S.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions!