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OFRI People
OFRI (MNR's Forest Research and Development Section) has about 50 staff, including research scientists, science specialists, statisticians, technicians, technology transfer specialists, managers, and administrative staff (see profiles for managerial, communications, scientific, and professional staff under Key Contacts below).
To view a list of all OFRI staff and their contact information, go to the Ontario government services and offices directory (INFO-GO) website, type OFRI into the Keyword field , click GO!, and then click on the Forest Research and Development Section link.
(INFO-GO is the Government of Ontario on-line telephone directory. It provides contact names, position titles, telephone numbers, and e-mail links for all staff who work for the Ontario government. This site also provides contact information for provincial agencies, boards, and commissions.)
General contact information for OFRI:
Ontario Forest Research Institute
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
1235 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2E5 CANADA
(705)946-2981 Fax: (705)946-2030
information.ofri@ontario.ca
Key Contacts
Research Scientists and Professional Staff
F. Wayne Bell, forest ecology research scientist
MSc, forestry, Lakehead University, 1990
(705)946-7401, wayne.bell@ontario.ca
Studies the effects of disturbance on the ecology, diversity, and succession of forest flora. Research results can be applied to vegetation management alternatives, enhanced forest productivity, biodiversity, non-timber forest products, and wildlife habitat issues. Other expertise: using forest biomass for biofuels.
Jiaxin Chen, impacts and adaptation research scientist
PhD, engineering and information systems, Leeds Metropolitan University. Leeds, England, 2001
(705)946-7486, jiaxin.chen@ontario.ca
Researches, develops, tests, and runs computer models related to forest sector carbon budgets. Also works on models related to the effects of climate change/forest management on ecosystems and ecosystem adaptation to climate change.
Steve Colombo, environmental stress research scientist
PhD, forest biology/forest management, University of Toronto, 1996
(807)343-4020, steve.colombo@ontario.ca
Examines the nature and consequences of stresses experienced by trees, including studies of freezing, drought, and heat stress affecting forest trees. Has applied the understanding of responses to stress to improve nursery and reforestation practices. Present emphasis considers the effects of climate change on forest sustainability. Leads the provincial large-scale forest carbon project.
Wenbin Cui, senior landscape ecology analyst
PhD, forest fire behaviour, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China, 2000
(705)946-7429, wenbin.cui@ontario.ca
Analyzes and models spatial patterns of Ontario's forest landscape dynamics and fire disturbance regimes in support of forest landscape ecology research.
Darren Derbowka, genetics project forester
BSc, biology, Algoma University, in progress
(705)946-7431, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Coordinates and implements field studies for forest genetics and tree improvement research.
Sylvia Greifenhagen, forest health research forester
BSc, forestry, Lakehead University, 1986
(705)946-7411, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Examines the impact of diseases on forest health and productivity and develops pest management strategies to minimize losses.
Trevor Jones, hardwood ecosystem research scientist
Ph.D., forestry, University of Toronto, 2006
(705) 946-7487, trevor.jones2@ontario.ca
Conducts research on uneven-aged management, stand growth and productivity, and effects of disturbance in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest.
Other expertise: ecophysiology.
Ravi Kanipayor, chemistry lab group leader
MSc, chemistry, Brock University, 1979
(705)946-7448, ravi.kanipayor@ontario.ca
Works with research scientists to direct the planning, development, coordination, and operation of OFRI's geochemical and biochemistry labs. Develops and maintains quality assurance/quality control standards and protocols. Designs laboratory testing methods/techniques and maintains chemistry lab equipment. Conducts chemical and biochemical analyses for various ecological materials, such as forest soils, waters and plant tissues. Develops prototype testing instruments for use in field studies.
Pengxin Lu, forest research and development geneticist
PhD, forest genetics, University of Florida, 1999
(705)946-7415, pengxin.lu@ontario.ca
Provides scientific support and direction to the operational tree improvement program. Leads research to support provincial genetic resource management efforts, evaluates patterns of adaptive genetic variation of tree species in relation to climate change, breeds eastern white pine for blister rust resistance, and develops gene conservation programs.
Elaine Mallory, hardwood ecosystem research analyst
MSc, environmental biology, University of Guelph, 1993
(705)946-2981, ext. 194, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Coordinates and implements field studies on riparian forests and forest-lake interactions in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region. Provides analytical support for hardwood ecology projects.
Rongzhou Man, boreal mixedwood research scientist
PhD, silviculture, University of Alberta, 1997
(705)946-7484, rongzhou.man@ontario.ca
Conducts silviculture and stand dynamics research to develop advanced knowledge and innovative practices for managing boreal mixedwood forests.
Jim McLaughlin, forest soils research scientist
PhD, forest soils, Michigan Technological University, 1992
(705)946-7418, jim.mclaughlin@ontario.ca
Conducts research on the relationships among forest management, soil nutrient and water cycles, water quality, and forest productivity. Other expertise: quality assurance/control protocols for interdisciplinary soil/water research.
John McLaughlin, forest research pathologist
MSc, forestry, Lakehead University, 1991
(705)946-7419, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Delivers the provincial forest pathology research program. Conducts research on the relationships among biodiversity, forest management, applied silviculture, and disease.
Tom Noland, tree biochemistry research scientist
PhD, plant sciences, University of Arkansas, 1984
(705)946-7421, tom.noland@ontario.ca
Studies biochemical and physiological changes in trees in response to stress. Conducts research on tree seeds, including improving germination performance and seed production. Manages tree biochemistry laboratory. Other expertise: nontimber forest products, molecular biology.
Maara Packalen, biochemical technologist
MSc, biological sciences (ecology and environmental biology/biochemistry), Michigan Technological University, 2008
(705)946-7447, maara.packalen@ontario.ca
Works with research scientists to examine biogeochemical cycles and indicators of stress and change using environmental biochemistry. Designs and implements field and laboratory studies and sampling equipment/techniques; maintains and repairs analytical instruments; and develops/adapts biochemical methods for examining forest soils/stream sediments, hydrology, plant tissue, and trace gases. Expertise: liquid and gas chromatography; 2D electrophoresis/molecular biology; environmental microbiology.
Marc Ouellette, landscape ecology systems analyst
Diploma, computer technology and programming, Sault College, 1996
(705)946-7443, marc.ouellette@ontario.ca
Develops analytical software and decision-support systems in support of forest landscape ecology research.
Bill Parker, natural regeneration research scientist
PhD, tree physiology, University of Missouri, 1984
(705)946-7424, bill.parker@ontario.ca
Studies ecophysiological aspects of forest renewal to improve methods of natural and artificial regeneration. Other expertise: climate change.
Ajith Perera, landscape ecology research scientist
PhD, quantitative forest ecology, Penn State University, 1986
(705)946-7426, ajith.perera@ontario.ca
Focuses on understanding boreal forest landscape disturbance dynamics and developing landscape ecological models and user tools for forest policy and land use planning.
Jim Rice, boreal mixedwood silviculture research forester
BSc, forestry, University of Toronto, 1980
(705)946-7428, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Coordinates and implements boreal mixedwood research trials. Facilitates the transfer of results into policy and practice. Other expertise: Great Lakes-St. Lawrence silviculture, tree marking for partial cutting systems.
Mahadev Sharma, forest growth and productivity research scientist
PhD, forest biometrics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1999
(705) 946-7407, mahadev.sharma@ontario.ca
Develops, conducts, and coordinates a comprehensive forest growth and yield research program for the development of original quantitative theories, methods, and models.
Michael Ter-Mikaelian, forest modelling research scientist
PhD, ecological modelling, Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, Russia, 1990
(705)946-7432, michael.termikaelian@ontario.ca
Develops models of forest dynamics at tree, stand, and landscape levels, including models of plant competition, biomass productivity of individual trees, and forest-canopy gap modelling.
Sandra Wawryszyn, soils and water project coordinator (currently away on an acting assignment)
BSc, forestry, University of Northern British Columbia, 2001
(705)946-7485, information.ofri@ontario.ca
Coordinates and implements field studies related to forest soils and water research.
Voyteck Zakrzewski, provincial forest science modeller
PhD, forest productivity modelling, Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland, 1983
(705)946-7437, voyteck.zakrzewski@ontario.ca
Works on modelling projects related to tree/stand growth and yield dynamics: derives and examines growth simulators and develops mensurational methods and procedures.
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Managers
Wayne Fiset, manager
(705)946-7482, wayne.fiset@ontario.ca
Leads the Forest Research and Development Section. Works with research, policy, and operations leaders in the federal and provincial governments, at universities, and in industry to plan, develop, integrate, deliver, and review provincial forest research and applied science programs.
Dan Puddister, science management coordinator
(705)946-7430, dan.puddister@ontario.ca
Works with science staff, other MNR section leaders, collaborators, and clients to plan, develop, integrate, deliver, and review OFRI's research and science.
Bill Cole, science management coordinator
(705)946-7408, bill.cole@ontario.ca
Works with science staff, other MNR section leaders, collaborators, and clients to plan, develop, integrate, deliver, and review OFRI's research and science.
Ed Cappelli, operations manager
(705) 946-7403, ed.cappelli@ontario.ca
Manages the operation of OFRI's facilities, the administrative support team, and the technology transfer unit.
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Communications Staff
Lisa Buse, technology transfer coordinator
(705)946-7405, lisa.buse@ontario.ca
Transfers science to resource managers through publications, workshops, displays, special events, and personal interaction. Coordinates OFRI's technology transfer activities, including production/distribution of OFRI publications and other technology transfer tools. Maintains OFRI's research archives. Handles publication and information requests.
Abby Obenchain, communications specialist
(705)946-7422, abigail.obenchain@ontario.ca
Provides writing, editing, publication production, webpublishing, media relations, and other communications services to staff. Edits Insights, OFRI's research newsletter, and coordinates the OFRI Seminar Series. Handles publication and information requests.
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Last Modified: April 28, 2008