Welcome to the Bisbing Lab at the University of Nevada - Reno

Research in the lab utilizes field, laboratory, and greenhouse studies to understand the primary drivers of tree species’ distributions and evaluate the impacts of climate change and role of disturbance in altering forest composition, structure, and function. We are particularly interested in identifying species-specific and locally-adapted traits that determine successful regeneration given sensitivity to climatic extremes, altered disturbance regimes, local biotic stressors, and abiotic conditions of the establishment environment. Our research uses this knowledge to examine how altered disturbance regimes and ongoing climate change will influence forest resilience and impact species’ ranges. 

Projects are currently underway on a gradient of landscape scales, from a local study of prolonged drought effects on coastal conifer demography to a Sierra Nevada-wide silvicultural experiment testing the resilience  resistance, and adaptive capacity of the mixed-conifer forest. A large majority of projects in the lab include a permanent plot network to facilitate long-term monitoring of forest ecosystem change over time. We work closely with local land managers and researchers to identify the gaps in knowledge necessary for management and conservation of forest ecosystems.

Sarah Bisbing
Office: FA 218A | 775-784-4034 | sbisbing@unr.edu
University of Nevada, Reno | 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno 89557

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