A Warnell faculty member's work in the emerging field of bioenergy and family forest landowners has been recognized by the Southeastern Society of American Foresters. Puneet Dwivedi, an associate professor of forest sustainability at the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, recently received the 2019 Research and Development Award from Southeastern SAF at the organization's annual meeting in Panama City Beach, Florida. Dwivedi analyzes the sustainability of wood-based bioenergy development, as well as perceptions of forest landowners and modeling of forest-based ecosystem services. The award recognizes an individual's outstanding research and development activities that have made significant contributions to forestry within the states served by SESAF, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. "I am fortunate to work in forestry, where my passion for outdoors and working with people come together while improving the local environment, sustaining rural economies and building capacity of future generations to undertake research, education and extension-related activities in the area of sustainable forestry," says Dwivedi. "I dedicate this award to all my graduate students who have given their best to maintain the high research productivity at the Dwivedi forest Sustainability Lab." As an award winner, he joins an impressive roster of researchers, including fellow faculty members Kamal Gandhi (2016), Michael Kane (2014), Jacek Siry (2013), Pete Bettinger (2009), and Warnell's dean, Dale Greene (2007). Dwivedi's research has been cited more than 1,500 times, and he has published 69 articles. He serves as an associate editor at the journal Forest Policy and Economics and as an academic editor at PLOS ONE. He says his 11 graduate students help motivate him to develop solutions to cross-cutting problems. "I am looking forward to giving my best to undertake more research and develop new, exciting ideas in the area of sustainable forestry in southeastern states and beyond," he added. Associated Personnel: Dr. Puneet Dwivedi
