Westley Mitchell ’26 is a wildlife and conservation biology major from New Boston, New Hampshire. He is contributing to research addresses growing threats of invasive species, tree diseases and climate-related disturbances in New Hampshire’s forests and is funded by the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station at UNH.
COLSA: Tell us about your research in as non-technical language as possible.
Westley Mitchell: The Forest Health Lab [led by Associate Professor Jeff Garnas] conducts innovative research on how diseases, invasive species, climate change and other disturbances interact within ecosystems, and aims to deepen our understanding of tree and insect dynamics.
COLSA: What challenge does your research seek to address?
Wesley: The research at the Forest Health Lab seeks to address the growing challenges posed by shifts in ecosystems, driven by factors such as climate change, invasive species and other environmental disturbances. We are particularly focused on investigating the spread of diseases affecting tree species and managing invasive insects, with an emphasis on developing effective biological control strategies to restore balance in affected ecosystems.
COLSA: Your work elevates research supported by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station. How will it benefit people, communities and/or the natural environment in New Hampshire?
Wesley: Our work aims to address the growing threats of invasive species, tree diseases and climate-related disturbances in New Hampshire’s forests. By researching and developing effective management strategies, like biological control for invasive insects, we’re working to protect the state's forests and biodiversity. This will help ensure that our forests continue to provide vital ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, water filtration, and in our focus wildlife habitat.
Ultimately, our research supports healthier, more resilient forests, which benefits local communities by sustaining natural resources, recreational areas, and the overall environment that residents rely on for their well-being.
COLSA: What are you learning as a result of you experience?
Westley: Through my work in the Forest Health Lab, I am learning how interconnected ecosystems are and how different disturbances can have widespread impacts on forest health. I have gained valuable insight into the complex ways climate change and human activities are shifting forest dynamics.
I’ve also learned the importance of early intervention and proactive management, especially when it comes to controlling invasive species and diseases before they cause irreversible damage. This experience is deepening my understanding of how we can balance ecological health with the needs of local communities, and how science can help drive solutions to real-world environmental challenges.
COLSA: Who are you working with?
Westley: Dr. Jeff Garnas, Dr. Elizabeth Clifton, Dr. Eric Morrison, Casey Coupe, Mariah Rietzel, Patrick Lemis, and Santiago Rivera-Reyes.
COLSA: What should prospective students know about UNH?
Westley: At UNH there are many great opportunities for internships and success in whatever career path you choose. UNH offers a collaborative and supportive environment for both learning and research, especially for those interested in environmental sciences. The NREN faculty are deeply invested in student success and research opportunities, providing hands-on experience in the lab, the field or through community engagement.
The university’s location allows access to diverse ecosystems, from coastal habitats to small patches of old growth forests, providing an excellent location for studying ecology, conservation and the environment.
COLSA: What do you love most about UNH?
Wesley: I love the abundance of opportunities through professors for students to gain hands-on experience in research positions and internships. The university does an excellent job of connecting students with these opportunities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to build their resumes. Most of all, I cherish the friendships and staff connections I've made, as they have improved my experience at UNH and made my time here wonderful.
The NH Agricultural Experiment Station helps improve New Hampshire's lives, livelihoods and landscapes through research and discoveries that sustain agricultural, food and forested ecosystems and supporting the development of future scientists. The Station research described above is based on work with joint funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under McIntire-Stennis award number 7005754 and the state of New Hampshire.
