I am a Smithsonian Institution Post-doctoral Fellow, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. I work on the GEO-TREES project , where the primary aim is to provide ground data to validate satellite-derived biomass maps. My research uses forest plot data from across the tropics to understand patterns in tree community composition and forest structure, and how this affects ecosystem function, especially carbon dynamics.
During my previous post-doc at the University of Edinburgh. I worked on the SECO project - Resolving the current and future carbon dynamics of the dry tropics. My research combined plot data from multiple networks to estimate rates of woody biomass change across global tropical savannas and dry forests.
During my PhD I worked with the SEOSAW network to study interactions between tree species diversity, canopy structure and biomass stocks in southern African woodlands. I conducted much of my PhD research in southwest Angola, where I co-manage 15 permanent woodland monitoring plots in Bicuar National Park.
I have a deep interest in developing rigorous and accessible field protocols for monitoring forest ecosystem function, and in developing data management workflows for this type of data.
Outside my academic work I like to walk and cycle long-distance trails and wild camp, and I am interested in alternative farming practises in the UK. In 2021 I began a reforestation project on an area of farmland in North Yorkshire.
ORCiD: /0000-0001-5595-255X
Github: /johngodlee
University of Edinburgh profile: blogs.ed.ac.uk/johngodlee
GEO-TREES/ForestGEO profile: TBD
Gemini: gemini://republic.circumlunar.space/~johngodlee/