The Lab
Research would mean nothing without people working and thinking together. It is a privilege to come together to share in research and collaboration together. I have included collaborators whom I work closely with as honorary lab members.
~ Lab Members
Ian Crews
Undergraduate Researcher (Graduated)
Fort Lews College
Ian is a undergraduate Organismal and Environmental Biology student at Fort Lewis College who is originally from Western North Carolina. Though Ian may not have known it at the time, his love for biology started as a young child exploring the deciduous forests of North Carolina and playing in small perennial streams around his house. Ian is now dedicated to a career in biology and specifically aquatic biology. Ian has a great interest in snow science, leading him to become the Lead Snowtography Technician for Mountain Studies Institute and pursue a research project with Dr. Michael Remke regarding the ablation effects of dust on snow events in the San Juan mountain of Southwest Colorado.
Richmond Mbami
MS Student
New Mexico Highlands University
Richmond Mbami is a committed graduate student working toward a master's degree in forest science at New Mexico Highlands University. He is dedicated to expanding understanding of forest ecosystems, forest soils, and their role in reducing climate change. He has a deep love for ecological protection and sustainable forest management.
Richmond graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. where he gained a strong foundation in ecological concepts and land management techniques, prior to entering New Mexico Highlands University. His interest in a career in forest science was sparked by the several research initiatives he took part in during this time that examined biodiversity assessment, forest health, and restoration methods.
Richmond is conducting research at NMHU that focuses on the mutualistic relationship between mycorrhizae and fire moss for the regeneration of Pinus Ponderosa seedlings, intended to accelerate Ponderosa's capacity for regeneration in order to facilitate afforestation.
Richmond frequently engages in outreach initiatives aimed at enlightening nearby communities about the value of forest management and conservation in addition to his academic endeavors. He furthered his dedication to environmental stewardship by working with the Forestry Commission of Ghana during their Nationwide afforestation initiative.
Richmond likes to read, play the guitar, and explore various forest habitats when he's not studying. In order to promote a greater awareness and respect for our natural environment, he is a supporter of combining scientific study with community involvement.
With a solid background in forest science and a dedication to sustainability, he hopes to have a significant influence in the industry and help manage and conserve forest resources for coming generations.