Help Researchers Understand the Complexities of Fire to Protect Communities

Fire is a dynamic and complex process, and addressing its impacts requires a multidisciplinary approach.

At the University of Oregon’s Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IE²), researchers in ecology, sociology, geography, anthropology, and public policy and management are combining their expertise to better understand how fire affects West Coast communities.

Leading the way in wildfire research: 

Melissa Lucash, a research assistant professor in Geography and Environmental Studies, uses ecosystem models to project species composition and carbon sequestration in future forests. She leads a team that integrates field ecologists, fire modelers, and social scientists to simulate the effects of extreme fire events like the 2020 Labor Day fires.

Dan Gavin, a professor in the Department of Geography, compiles thousands of years of data to model where and under what conditions fires are likely to occur. His work helps policymakers prioritize resources and understand the compounding risks of repeated burns. 

“Each time a re-burn happens it increases the burned area a bit more. The paleo record shows evidence of the re-burns and the hazards they pose.”  

—Dan Gavin, professor of geography and climate studies

Why IE² matters: 

IE² is a vibrant hub where world-class research meets cutting-edge education. Graduate students and faculty collaborate on hands-on, field-to-lab projects that address urgent global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and wildfire resilience. Through this interdisciplinary approach, researchers uncover insights that guide communities and policymakers toward more effective wildfire preparation and response. 

Your gift to IE² empowers top researchers, like Gavin and Lucash, to tackle wildfire challenges, advance knowledge, and protect ecosystems and communities for generations to come. 

Give today to advance vital, multi-disciplinary research!