Olivia Moskowitz,

Thesis:

Factors determining fire refugia for a rare, serotinous conifer, Baker cypress

For my master’s thesis, I’m studying Baker cypress (Hesperocyparis bakeri), a rare fire-adapted conifer native to northern California and southern Oregon. My research focuses on identifying patterns in fire refugia—areas that remain unburned or minimally affected by wildfire where mature trees persist—and determining the conditions that support successful planted seedling establishment. The goal is to inform conservation and restoration strategies for this species in the context of shifting fire regimes and climate change. This work reflects my broader interest in applied research for managing fire-prone ecosystems and supporting post-fire restoration. I have a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Washington and have a decade of experience in forest ecology, management, and restoration across the western U.S., working with public, private, and academic institutions.