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Forest Ecology
Forest dynamics, disturbance, regeneration, biodiversity, and ecosystem function across tropical and temperate systems.
Academic research portfolio
Forest ecology, landscape modeling, and climate adaptation.
I am a PhD researcher in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University and a 2025 Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Research Fellow. My research examines how forest-management strategies shape ecosystem services, forest carbon, biodiversity, timber production, and resilience under changing climate and disturbance regimes. I use landscape-scale ecological modeling, system dynamics, silviculture, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis across tropical and temperate forest systems.
Bachelor’s degreeB. Forestry and WildlifeFederal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria
Master’s degreeM.S. ForestryUniversity of Ibadan, Nigeria
Doctoral degree · In progressPh.D. Environmental and Natural Resource SciencesWashington State University, Pullman, USA
Research themes
My research interests connect ecological processes, forest management, spatial analysis, restoration, and climate adaptation.
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Landscape Modeling
Spatially explicit ecological modeling, scenario analysis, and LANDIS-II applications for forest management and climate adaptation.
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Silviculture & Restoration
Seedling establishment, nursery practices, restoration ecology, and management interventions that support resilient forests.
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Ecosystem Services
Forest carbon, biodiversity, timber production, resilience, and other ecological and social benefits of forest landscapes.
Featured publications
Selected publications. The complete list remains available in the publication archive.
Review article2026
Bioactive Terpenoids from Desert Shrubs for Durable Wood Protection: Chemistry, Delivery Systems, and Circular Bioresource Integration
BioResources
A review of desert-shrub terpenoids as multifunctional, lower-toxicity agents for durable wood protection, delivery systems, and circular bioresource applications.
Q. Aguma, A. Nanjundaswamy, J. O. Omolewa, O. P. Choko, I. Onakpoma, K. G. Ibeh, K. E. OkonView details →
Research article2026
Urban Tree Crown Detection based on Deep Learning and High-Resolution Aerial Imagery: PTCNet for Pullman, WA, USA
Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment
A comparison of deep-learning detectors using high-resolution aerial imagery, culminating in PTCNet and an urban tree inventory for Pullman, Washington.
O. M. Alegbeleye, A. J. H. Meddens, Y. O. Rotimi, K. G. IbehView details →
Conference abstract2024
Evaluation of Ecosystem Response to Silvicultural Treatments in Upland Hardwood Forests in Northern Mississippi, USA
The International Oak Symposium: Science-Based Management for Dynamic Oak Forests
An assessment of residual tree growth, seedling recruitment, woody-species diversity, and aboveground carbon under contrasting silvicultural treatments in upland hardwood forests.
Kelechi G. Ibeh, Austin Himes, Joshua J. Granger, Krishna P. Poudel, Callie J. SchweitzerView details →
Research article2024
Investigating Light and Water Optimization for Early Seedling Establishment in Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth
South-east European Forestry: SEEFOR
A factorial nursery experiment identifying moderate light and adequate moisture as favorable conditions for early Albizia lebbeck seedling growth.
Kelechi Godwin Ibeh, Adejoke Olukemi AkinyeleView details →
Academic identity
Academic profiles
Links to ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and GitHub.
View profiles →Research timeline
Selected outputs illustrating the progression from tropical seedling research to geospatial and landscape-scale research.
Urban tree crown detection
Deep learning and high-resolution aerial imagery in Pullman, Washington.
Albizia establishment
Light and water optimization for early seedling establishment.
Annona nursery growth
Seedling response to different potting media.
Gully erosion
Environmental management and policy issues in southeastern Nigeria.
Seedling research
Organic amendments and germination pretreatments for tropical tree species.