I received a BS in 1974 from South Dakota State University, an MS in 1978 from the University of Idaho and a PhD in 1984 from Oregon State University. After graduating in 1984, I joined the faculty at Oregon State University. I am currently a professor in the Department of Forest Resources as well as the Director of the Environmental Remote Sensing Applications Laboratory (ERSAL). My research interests include aspen, elk and wolf ecology, wildlife habitat analysis, landscape ecology and spatial analysis.

During the last six years I have been working in Yellowstone National Park studying the effects of wolf reintroduction on the ecosystem. My current studies are focused on the effects of elk browsing on aspen and willow and how the presence of wolves changes elk foraging patterns. I chose my profession because of my commitment to help develop ways to sustain Earth's ecosystems and my love of nature and the outdoors.

Relevant Publications

Ripple, W. J., Larsen, E.J., Renkin, R.A. and Smith, D.W. (2001). Trophic Cascades among Wolves, Elk, and Aspen on Yellowstone National Park's Northern Range. Biological Conservation, 102, 227-334.

Ripple, W.J., and Larsen, E.J. (2000). Historic Aspen Recruitment, Elk, and Wolves in Northern Yellowstone National Park, USA. Biological Conservation, 95, 361-370.