Ecosystem Workforce Program

Ecosystem Workforce Program

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The Ecosystem Workforce Program (EWP) is an applied social science research program built on the interconnections of ecology, economy, and governance.

EWP applies scientific expertise and leadership to produce better outcomes for land and people.

News and Publications

Read the latest news, updates, and publications from EWP.

The study, conducted by a team led by James Johnston, an assistant research professor at the University of Oregon, found that between 2012 and 2023, a quarter of trees over 300 years old in roadless areas of the Malheur National Forest had died
Assistant research professor James Johnston led research that discovered very significant decline in old-growth trees in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon.
James Johnston, an assistant research professor at the University of Oregon’s Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments, said the Forest Service lacks the personnel and funding to maintain the road system it already has, and building new ones is likely to be a challenge. The Trump administration has only exacerbated the problem by firing 10 percent of the agency’s workers since taking office.

More News and Publications

mountain and lake landscape

Student Experience

Students from departments across UO work with EWP faculty to assist with EWP research, collaborative project coordination, web design and maintenance, and general office support.

We provide UO graduate and undergraduate students with experiential education through work study employment, paid and unpaid internships, independent study, and graduate employment (GE positions). These opportunities advance students' understanding and technical skills through participation in real projects. Available opportunities vary with projects.

Students interested in working with EWP on research projects should first visit our current projects page to better understand our research topic areas.  

Meet The Team

Heidi Huber-Stearns

Associate Research Professor
Director, EWP
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Michael Coughlan

Associate Research Professor
Co-Director, EWP
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James Johnston

Assistant Research Professor

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Jess Downey

Faculty Researcher
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Julia Sizek

Associate Researcher
 


Annabelle Law

Research Assistant
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Kyle Trefny

Research Assistant
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Stephanie Schneider

Research Assistant

Visit Us

130 Hendricks Hall
5247 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403