Leslie Brandt

Title: Presidential Management Fellow/Climate Change Specialist
Unit: Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science
Address: USDA Forest Service
626 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 297-3181
E-mail: Contact Leslie Brandt

Education

• Ph.D., Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota

• B.A., Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Member: American Geophysical Union, Ecological Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, American Meteorological Society

Current Research

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) Climate Change Response Framework:
I am working with the CNNF project team to develop a climate change vulnerability assessment for the CNNF. I am also helping coordinate the Science Needs and Applications and Shared Landscapes workshops for winter/spring 2010.

Outreach and Communications:
I am developing a newsletter and communications plan to facilitate dialogue on Forest Service-affiliated climate change activities among the Eastern Region, Northern Research Station, and Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. I also assist with the development and implementation of workshops and courses on climate change for Forest Service employees and partners in the region.

Publications

Brandt, L.A. 2009. The Role of Photodegradation in Plant Litter Decomposition in Grassland Ecosystems. PhD. Thesis. University of Minnesota.

Brandt, L. A., C. Bohnet, and J. Y. King. 2009. Photochemically induced carbon dioxide production as a mechanism for carbon loss from plant litter in arid ecosystems, Journal of  Geophysical Research, 114, G02004, doi:10.1029/2008JG000772.

Brandt, L. A., J. Y. King, and D. G. Milchunas. 2007. Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Litter Decomposition Depend on Precipitation and Litter Chemistry in a Shortgrass Steppe Ecosystem." Global Change Biology 13.10: 2193-205.

Parton W, Silver WL, Burke IC, Grassens L, Harmon ME, Currie WS, King, J.Y. Adair, E.C.,Brandt, L.A. , Hart, S.C. , Fasth, B. 2007. Global-Scale Similarities in Nitrogen Release Patterns during Long-Term Decomposition. Science 315.5810: 361-4.

Brandt, L. A., and E. W. Koch. 2003. Periphyton as a UV-B Filter on Seagrass Leaves: A Result of Different Transmittance in the UV-B and PAR Ranges. Aquatic Botany 76.4: 317-27.