iPACE Scholar Dr. Chen-Chia Ku's Research Strengthens USU-Taiwan Collaboration on Forest Dynamics and Wildfire Studies

Utah State University's iPACE program celebrates the successful research visit of Dr. Chen-Chia Ku, a scholar from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. During his six-month stay from May to October 2024, Dr. Ku conducted groundbreaking research on forest dynamics in the Western United States, working closely with Dr. James Lutz in the Department of Wildland Resources.

Dr. Ku's fieldwork spanned three crucial forest dynamics plots: Wind River in Washington, Yosemite in California, and Utah's Cedar Breaks National Monument. His research on tree survival, growth, and mortality in these diverse ecosystems contributes to one of the world's largest continuous datasets on forest dynamics, vital for understanding climate change impacts.

"This experience has broadened my perspective on long-term forest science, especially regarding climate change and carbon dynamics," Dr. Ku remarked. His work at elevations up to 3,000 meters provided unique insights into high-altitude forest ecosystems.

Importantly, Dr. Ku's visit has strengthened the ongoing collaboration between USU and Taiwanese institutions on wildfire research. This aligns with recent high-impact studies led by USU Professor Simon Wang, which revealed increasing wildfire risks in Taiwan due to climate change. The combined expertise from both countries is enhancing our understanding of forest resilience and fire ecology in different climates.

This collaborative effort exemplifies iPACE's mission to foster international partnerships addressing global challenges in agriculture, climate, and environment. Dr. Ku's successful visit paves the way for future joint research initiatives and student exchanges between USU and National Chung Hsing University, contributing to innovative solutions for forest management and wildfire mitigation strategies worldwide.