Dr. Rebecca Rollins recently joined OSU as Director of the Research Forests, Silviculture Extension Specialist and Associate Professor in the College of Forestry's Department of Forest Engineering, Resources & Management. In her dual role, Dr. Rollins provides leadership for the OSU Research Forests, overseeing forest plan implementation, forest research, extension programs, community engagement, and organizational operations.
Dr. Rollins is committed to connecting research with forest management to create meaningful educational opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and advance innovative approaches to sustainable forest stewardship. She brings over 20 years of research and operational experience spanning tribal, forest industry, and federal forestry organizations. Her expertise includes silviculture, fire ecology, climate adaptation, and the development of innovative forest management strategies that integrate emerging technologies. She has worked across a wide range of forest ecosystems throughout the United States and most recently served as Silviculture and Forest Planning Manager for the Quinault Indian Nation in western Washington.
Dr. Rollins earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where her research focused on forest and wildlife habitat management in fire-adapted ecosystems. In her free time, she and her family enjoy hiking, traveling, bird watching, gardening, and playing with LEGO.