Jared DeForest, Ph.D.

Jared DeForest, Ph.D., is a professor of Environmental and Plant Biology and department chair at Ohio University. He is a forest and ecosystem ecologist who studies how natural ecosystems function, particularly the relationships among plants, soils, and microorganisms.

His research focuses on how changes in soil fertility and nutrient availability influence the health, productivity, and biodiversity of forests and other terrestrial ecosystems. Much of his work explores the often-overlooked world beneath our feet, examining how soil chemistry, microorganisms, and plant roots interact to regulate tree growth, forest regeneration, decomposition, and carbon storage. He is particularly interested in how human activities, including air pollution and acid rain, alter soil chemistry and trigger changes throughout ecosystems. His work highlights how seemingly small changes in the soil can have far-reaching consequences for the natural environment.

Dr. DeForest has published more than 40 scientific papers that have collectively been cited over 10,000 times, reflecting the international influence of his work. He also serves as an editor for Soil Biology & Biochemistry, a leading international scientific journal. Previously, he served as a program manager in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, helping oversee research on how terrestrial ecosystems respond to environmental change.

Beyond traditional research, DeForest participates in interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together art, science, and environmental sustainability. These projects use creative expression, hands-on exploration, and scientific inquiry to help students and communities better understand their environment, appreciate biodiversity, and develop a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.

Dr. DeForest is also committed to innovative science education, emphasizing hands-on learning, critical thinking, and the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence to enhance student learning while maintaining independent scientific reasoning.