Professor Kevin Ohara

Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management

“Coupling Traditional and Innovative Methods to More Accurately Measure Forest Roots”

Forests are of unique importance in the United States due to the recent passing of AB32: The Global Warming Solutions Act. Beginning January 1, 2013, this bill will establish a cap-and-trade program in California where excess greenhouse gas emissions can be offset by the purchase of carbon offset credits from forest carbon offset projects all over the country. The amount of carbon dioxide gas forests remove from the atmosphere and store within their biomass will be measured more than ever before. The methods for measuring carbon within the stems, leaves and branches of trees is well-established but that of roots is traditionally very difficult and invasive. With Innovative methods like Ground Penetrating Radar, however, scientists can create 3D images of roots and determine the amount of root biomass there is below-ground with minimal excavation. This technology has the potential to give scientists a better understanding of the structure, function, birth and death of roots as well as a more accurate representation of the amount of carbon stored underground.  

Sheena attends Laney College where she maintains a 3.87 GPA. She received an Environmental Champion Award and a Permaculture Design Certificate. She plans on transferring to UC Davis or UC Berkeley and majoring in Environmental Planning and Policy. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a Masters Degree.