Dr. Scott Denning
**Education**
- Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 1994
- M.S. in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 1993
- B.S. in Geological Sciences, University of Maine, 1984
**Career Overview**
Dr. Scott Denning is a professor of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, where he has been a faculty member since 1998. He earned his B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Maine in 1984 and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University in 1993 and 1994, respectively. His early research focused on radiometric geochronology, surface water geochemistry, and mountain hydrology, but he later shifted his focus to global climate and biogeochemical dynamics. Prior to joining CSU, Dr. Denning held a postdoctoral position studying global CO2 dynamics and served as an Assistant Professor at the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, UC Santa Barbara. He has been the Director of Education for CMMAP since 2006 and actively engages in climate change outreach, particularly with challenging audiences.
**Research Interests**
Dr. Denning’s research explores atmosphere-biosphere interactions, the global carbon cycle, land-surface climate processes, and the transport of trace gases. His work employs numerical modeling to investigate energy, water, and carbon dioxide exchange across local, regional, and global scales. His group also collaborates on fieldwork campaigns in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Brazil, and uses inverse models to study trace gas variations, focusing on CO2 sources and sinks. Dr. Denning is particularly interested in spatial scaling of land-surface processes, using remote sensing and data assimilation to enhance the accuracy of climate models.
**Research Sponsors**
- National Science Foundation
- NASA
- U.S. Department of Energy
- NOAA
**Education**
- Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 1994
- M.S. in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, 1993
- B.S. in Geological Sciences, University of Maine, 1984
**Career Overview**
Dr. Scott Denning is a professor of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, where he has been a faculty member since 1998. He earned his B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Maine in 1984 and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University in 1993 and 1994, respectively. His early research focused on radiometric geochronology, surface water geochemistry, and mountain hydrology, but he later shifted his focus to global climate and biogeochemical dynamics. Prior to joining CSU, Dr. Denning held a postdoctoral position studying global CO2 dynamics and served as an Assistant Professor at the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, UC Santa Barbara. He has been the Director of Education for CMMAP since 2006 and actively engages in climate change outreach, particularly with challenging audiences.
**Research Interests**
Dr. Denning’s research explores atmosphere-biosphere interactions, the global carbon cycle, land-surface climate processes, and the transport of trace gases. His work employs numerical modeling to investigate energy, water, and carbon dioxide exchange across local, regional, and global scales. His group also collaborates on fieldwork campaigns in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Brazil, and uses inverse models to study trace gas variations, focusing on CO2 sources and sinks. Dr. Denning is particularly interested in spatial scaling of land-surface processes, using remote sensing and data assimilation to enhance the accuracy of climate models.
**Research Sponsors**
- National Science Foundation
- NASA
- U.S. Department of Energy
- NOAA
Jeffrey “Frenchy” Morissette
**Education**
- Ph.D. in Philosophy, with Forestry/Remote Sensing, Statistics minor, North Carolina State University, May 1997
- M.S. in Applied Statistics, Oakland University, 1992
- B.A. in Mathematics, Siena Heights College, 1990
**Career Overview**
Dr. Jeffrey “Frenchy” Morissette is the manager of the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Human Dimensions program, where he focuses on understanding and promoting the research conducted within the program to inform land management practices. He builds relationships across the Forest Service and other stakeholders to ensure the research has a broad impact. Previously, Dr. Morissette served as Chief Scientist for the National Invasive Species Council (NISC), providing scientific leadership on invasive species management. He also directed the DOI North Central Climate Science Center from 2012-2017, where he led the development of its initial Science Agenda. During his tenure with the USGS, he developed tools for habitat suitability modeling and stakeholder engagement. His NASA experience (1998-2008) included validation of satellite-based vegetation and fire detection products.
**Research Interests**
Dr. Morissette’s research spans natural resource management, with a focus on ecosystem services, fire management, risk analytics, and the human dimensions of these systems. He is deeply involved in interdisciplinary program development and fosters partnerships to enhance land and rangeland management. He also serves on the Rocky Mountain Research Station Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of its research programs.
**Education**
- Ph.D. in Philosophy, with Forestry/Remote Sensing, Statistics minor, North Carolina State University, May 1997
- M.S. in Applied Statistics, Oakland University, 1992
- B.A. in Mathematics, Siena Heights College, 1990
**Career Overview**
Dr. Jeffrey “Frenchy” Morissette is the manager of the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Human Dimensions program, where he focuses on understanding and promoting the research conducted within the program to inform land management practices. He builds relationships across the Forest Service and other stakeholders to ensure the research has a broad impact. Previously, Dr. Morissette served as Chief Scientist for the National Invasive Species Council (NISC), providing scientific leadership on invasive species management. He also directed the DOI North Central Climate Science Center from 2012-2017, where he led the development of its initial Science Agenda. During his tenure with the USGS, he developed tools for habitat suitability modeling and stakeholder engagement. His NASA experience (1998-2008) included validation of satellite-based vegetation and fire detection products.
**Research Interests**
Dr. Morissette’s research spans natural resource management, with a focus on ecosystem services, fire management, risk analytics, and the human dimensions of these systems. He is deeply involved in interdisciplinary program development and fosters partnerships to enhance land and rangeland management. He also serves on the Rocky Mountain Research Station Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of its research programs.
David Allen Leatherman
**Education**
- M.S. in Forestry, Duke University, 1974
- B.S. in Biology, Marietta College, 1971
**Career Overview**
David Leatherman is a retired entomologist who served as the sole entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service from 1974 to 2005. His primary responsibility was managing mountain pine beetle infestations on private forested lands, as well as overseeing surveys and suppression efforts for other pests like the western spruce budworm and gypsy moth. Throughout his career, Mr. Leatherman conducted aerial surveys across millions of acres and delivered numerous presentations to a wide range of audiences. He remains active in the scientific community, contributing to ornithological publications and continuing his passion for nature and photography.
**Professional Activities**
- Entomologist, Colorado State Forest Service (1974-2005)
- Editor, *Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Journal* (1994-1996)
- Writer, “The Hungry Bird” column for *Colorado Birds* (2013-present)
- Faculty Affiliate, Colorado State University (2006-present)
**Personal Interests**
Mr. Leatherman enjoys birdwatching, photography, and sharing his knowledge of nature through public speaking. He also has a passion for athletics, music, and enjoys pairing microbrewed beer with live music.
**Education**
- M.S. in Forestry, Duke University, 1974
- B.S. in Biology, Marietta College, 1971
**Career Overview**
David Leatherman is a retired entomologist who served as the sole entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service from 1974 to 2005. His primary responsibility was managing mountain pine beetle infestations on private forested lands, as well as overseeing surveys and suppression efforts for other pests like the western spruce budworm and gypsy moth. Throughout his career, Mr. Leatherman conducted aerial surveys across millions of acres and delivered numerous presentations to a wide range of audiences. He remains active in the scientific community, contributing to ornithological publications and continuing his passion for nature and photography.
**Professional Activities**
- Entomologist, Colorado State Forest Service (1974-2005)
- Editor, *Colorado Field Ornithologists’ Journal* (1994-1996)
- Writer, “The Hungry Bird” column for *Colorado Birds* (2013-present)
- Faculty Affiliate, Colorado State University (2006-present)
**Personal Interests**
Mr. Leatherman enjoys birdwatching, photography, and sharing his knowledge of nature through public speaking. He also has a passion for athletics, music, and enjoys pairing microbrewed beer with live music.