This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work under Professor Meg Graham Maclean to conduct research at the Harvard Forest. Using innovative forest technologies- Fakopp Acoustic, Resistograph, and taking Core Samples, we collected data from Hemlock trees infested with Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) to assess internal decay in conjunction with the amount of foliage loss. Through process of collecting data in the field with Taylor Lucey, I was able to meet many folks at the Harvard Forest, including Dave Orwig, and Audrey Barker Plotkin who were both enthusiastic about, and helpful towards this project. Working closely with Professor Munkaila Musah, we were able to use our collected field data to compare with Building Construction data to evaluate if infested Hemlock Trees would be viable for use in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) products to be used for construction. Because of the implications of Climate Change, and the amount of infested Hemlock trees in the Northeast, understanding the ability to use HWA infested trees for product use is important to inform future management practices. I am extremely grateful to CAFÉ Scholars, and everyone who was involved in the process of this research, and I am very thankful for the hands-on experience that I received this summer.
