MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University forestry professor was recently named a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters.

Emily Schultz was honored by the professional forestry organization for her contributions to the society and the forestry profession. Schultz is a professor in the MSU College of Forest Resources and Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Her areas of research include computer forest modeling, forest inventory, and hardwood growth and yield.

While at MSU, Schultz and colleague Tom Matney developed the Mississippi Forestry Inventory System, a software program that estimates the volume of timber in the state. Bioenergy and forest products companies have used the program to determine the optimum locations for mills based on the availability and distribution of raw resources.

“Dr. Schultz is an outstanding teacher, advisor and researcher,” said Andy Ezell, head of the MSU Department of Forestry. “She has also served as a member of the Educational Policy Review Committee and chaired the Committee on Accreditation for the Society of American Foresters.”

The Society of American Foresters is the accrediting body for the forestry degree. Ezell said Schultz’s experience on the Educational Policy Review Committee is valuable as MSU prepares its accreditation package.

Schultz obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of the South and master’s and doctoral degrees from North Carolina State University. She also earned a master’s degree in computer science from MSU.

Schultz is a member of Xi Sigma Pi, Gamma Sigma Delta, the Walnut Council, the Southern Hardwood Group, the Society of American Foresters and the Mississippi Forestry Association. She is a registered forester in Mississippi.

The Society of American Foresters is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900, it is the largest professional society for foresters in the world.