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Eastman, Brooke

Portraid of Brooke Eastman
(304) 293-3360  brooke.eastman@mail.wvu.edu Percival 338C

Research Corporation Employee

I am a forest ecologist and ecosystem modeler with a strong passion for science engagement and science policy. The beauty of the Central Appalachian forests and the abundant services they provide us motivate my research on forest carbon cycling and landowner decision making. Currently, as a USDA-NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, I am researching the motivations behind forest management decisions by small family forest landowners. Specifically, I am exploring family forest landowner opinions on forest carbon offset programs and how these incentives may impact forest management and carbon sequestration in Central Appalachia. 

My previous research investigated forest carbon cycling in forests, soil biogeochemistry, acid rain and nitrogen deposition impacts on forest carbon cycling, and soil biogeochemical modeling. I received training on Earth System Models at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and collaborated with NCAR researchers to advance modeling of carbon and nitrogen interactions in forest soils.
 
Additionally, I am passionate about bringing science to society, advocating for the use of science in decision making, and including the public in the scientific endeavor. I fulfill this passion through various volunteer activities. I am launching the  West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network, with support from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). I also served as a postdoctoral fellow with WVU's  Bridge Initiative for Science & Technology Policy, where I still serve as a strategic advisor and environmental policy analyst. 

Publications

  1. Wieder WR, Harman MD, Kyker-Snowman E,  Eastman B, et al. (2024). Simulating Global Terrestrial Carbon and Nitrogen Biogeochemical Cycles With Implicit and Explicit Representations of Soil Microbial Activity.  Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems  doi.org/10.1029/2023MS004156
  2. Rocci KS, Cleveland CC,  Eastman B, et al. (2024). Aligning theoretical and empirical representations of soil carbon-to-nitrogen stoichiometry with process-based terrestrial biogeochemistry models.  Soil Biology and Biochemistry  doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2023.109272
  3. Eastman B, Wieder W, Brzostek E, Peterjohn WT.  (2024). Can models adequately reflect how long-term nitrogen enrichment alters the forest soil carbon cycle?  Biogeosciences  doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-201-2024
  4. Eastman B, Adams MB, Peterjohn WT. (2022).  The path less taken: Long-term N additions slow leaf litter decomposition and favor the physical transfer pathway of soil organic matter formation.  Soil Biology & Biochemistry  doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108567
  5. Eastman B, Adams MB, Brzostek E, Burnham M, Carrara J, Kelly C, McNeil B, Walter C, Peterjohn WT. (2021). Altered plant carbon allocation enhanced carbon storage in forest vegetation and soil after 25 years of nitrogen additions.  New Phytologist  doi.org/10.1111/nph.17256
  6. Birthisel SK,  Eastman B, Soucy AR, Paul M, Sexton R, White A, Errickson W, Zhu L, Allen M, Acquafredda MP, Mills SA, Dimmig G, Dittmer, KM. (2020). Enabling emerging leaders to build climate solutions in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture.  Climatic Change  10.1007/s10584-020-02844-w
  SCIENCE POLICY PUBLICATIONS
  1. Carbon Dioxide Removal and West Virginia: A Science & Technology Perspective (2023).  West Virginia University,  Policymaker Guide .
  2. Eastman, B. (2023).  Forest Carbon Markets.  West Virginia University,  Science & Technology Note .
  3. Eastman B & Shockey C. (2023). Lyme Disease in West Virginia.  West Virginia University,  Science & Technology Note .
  4. Stump T &  Eastman B. (2023). Food Deserts and Food Insecurity in West Virginia.  West Virginia University,  Science & Technology Note .
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