Jingjing Liang

Jingjing Liang, an Associate Professor at Purdue University, heads the Purdue Forest Advanced Computing and Artificial Intelligence (FACAI) Laboratory

His research employs AI tools and extensive tree survey data to address key questions in global forest ecology. He led an international team in creating the first global forest inventory database GFBi, featuring over 2 million sample plots worldwide. Dr. Liang’s work revealed the Earth’s tree species count and a positive link between species diversity and forest productivity. A proponent of open science, he established the Science-i platform, aiding numerous under-represented scientists globally in impactful research endeavors. 

Institutional website

Lab website

Google Scholar

Twitter

LinkedIn

Education

Ph.D. (Forestry)

University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States

2001-2005

B.S. (Environ. Sci.)

Peking University, China 

1997-2001

Professional Experience

2022 – present    Associate Professor of Quantitative Forest Ecology, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University 

2018 – 2022        Assistant Professor of Quantitative Forest Ecology, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University 

2017– 2018:             Associate Professor of Forest Ecology , School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University

2011–2017:              Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology (Tenure track), School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University

2007–2011:              Assistant Professor of Forest Biometrics and Management, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks

2019-present              Senior Editor,                                        Scientific Data

2018-2020                   Senior Handling Editor,                      Forest Ecosystems

2017-2019                   Associate Editor,                                 Scientific Data

2011-2018                   Associate Editor,                                Canadian Journal of Forest

  • 2010-present Certified Forester, Society of American Foresters, CN#4052
  • 2013 Emergency Medical Technician, the State of West Virginia
  • 2015 MSHA Part 46 Certified

(2022)

  • 2021 (invited)             Liang was invited among the three world’s top forestry researchers to present in the ENB Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series hosted by the World Banks, “The importance of sharing global forest data in a world of crises,” the World Banks, Washington DC.
  • 2020 (lead speaker)     International Virtual Conference on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Climate Change Perspective (IVC-BES), “Exploring New Landscapes in Global Forest Systems,” Centre for Climate Change, Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), Bangalore, India.
  • 2020 (invited)             World Biodiversity Forum, “Mapping Global Forest Biodiversity, Productivity, and Their interaction,” in­ter­na­tion­al re­search net­work bioDISCOVERY, and the Uni­ver­si­ty of Zurich Re­search Pri­or­i­ty Pro­gramme Glob­al Change and Bio­di­ver­si­ty, Davos, Switzerland. (February 21, 2020).
  • 2019 (invited)             Africa Security Forum 2019 “Climate Change Impact on Security in Africa.” Atlantis Centre de Recherche et d’Études Géostratégiques, Morocco
  • 2019 (keynote)            Big data sharing for the GIS community. SilviLaser 2019 Conference, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
  • 2018 (invited)             Mapping global forest biodiversity. Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands & Aarhus University, Denmark
  • 2017 (keynote)            Big data in forest research. Inaugural Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative Conference & GFBI-FECS Joint Symposium 2017, China
  • 2017 (keynote)            Exploring global biodiversity-forest productivity relationship using GFBI data. 2017 Annual Conference of International Society of Forest Resource Economics (ISFRE). New Orleans, USA
  • 2017 (invited)             GFBI data and structure. Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. Germany
  • 2017 (invited)             Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship and global forest ecosystems. Universitat de Lleida, Spain
  • 2017 (invited)             Stand Initiation Diversity Experiment and Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship. University of Freiburg, Germany

Publications

Overall, Liang’s research activities have generated 58 peer-reviewed publications, 10 books, book chapters, and reports, and 11 conference proceedings and other publications.

The following list summarizes Liang’s publications careerwide. Types of contribution to each publication are denoted by: Advising a student or post-doctotal associate to conduct the research;  Bringing about data compilation and data analyses; Conceiving the research question; Designing the research; Entirely and indepedently completing the publication. Liang contributed to the writing of all the following publications. : graduate students or post-doctoral research fellows whom Liang has supervised in the development of an article. *: Corresponding author. Scimago journal ranking (SJR) for the year of publication and discipline are also provided, e.g. Q1 multidisciplinary. IF: impact factor for year 2018-2020.

  1. (B, C, D) Liang, J.*, J. G. P. Gamarra, N. Picard, M. Zhou, B. Pijanowski, D. F. Jacobs, P. B. Reich, T. W. Crowther, G.-J. Nabuurs, S. de-Miguel, J. Fang, C. W. Woodall, J.-C. Svenning, T. Jucker, J.-F. Bastin, S. K. Wiser, F. Slik, B. Hérault, G. Alberti, G. Keppel, G. M. Hengeveld, P. L. Ibisch, C. A. Silva, H. ter Steege, P. L. Peri, D. A. Coomes, E. B. Searle, K. von Gadow, B. Jaroszewicz, A. O. Abbasi, M. Abegg, Y. C. A. Yao, J. Aguirre-Gutiérrez, A. M. A. Zambrano, J. Altman, E. Alvarez-Dávila, J. G. Álvarez-González, L. F. Alves, B. H. K. Amani, C. A. Amani, C. Ammer, B. A. Ilondea, C. Antón-Fernández, V. Avitabile, G. A. Aymard, A. F. Azihou, J. A. Baard, T. R. Baker, R. Balazy, M. L. Bastian, R. Batumike, M. Bauters, H. Beeckman, N. M. H. Benu, R. Bitariho, P. Boeckx, J. Bogaert, F. Bongers, O. Bouriaud, P. H. S. Brancalion, S. Brandl, F. Q. Brearley, J. Briseno-Reyes, E. N. Broadbent, H. Bruelheide, E. Bulte, A. C. Catlin, R. Cazzolla Gatti, R. G. César, H. Y. H. Chen, C. Chisholm, E. Cienciala, G. D. Colletta, J. J. Corral-Rivas, A. Cuchietti, A. Cuni-Sanchez, J. A. Dar, S. Dayanandan, T. de Haulleville, M. Decuyper, S. Delabye, G. Derroire, B. DeVries, J. Diisi, T. V. Do, J. Dolezal, A. Dourdain, G. P. Durrheim, N. L. E. Obiang, C. E. N. Ewango, T. J. Eyre, T. M. Fayle, L. F. N. Feunang, L. Finér, M. Fischer, J. Fridman, L. Frizzera, A. L. de Gasper, D. Gianelle, H. B. Glick, M. S. Gonzalez-Elizondo, L. Gorenstein, R. Habonayo, O. J. Hardy, D. J. Harris, A. Hector, A. Hemp, M. Herold, A. Hillers, W. Hubau, T. Ibanez, N. Imai, G. Imani, A. M. Jagodzinski, S. Janecek, V. K. Johannsen, C. A. Joly, B. Jumbam, B. L. P. R. Kabelong, G. A. Kahsay, V. Karminov, K. Kartawinata, J. N. Kassi, E. Kearsley, D. K. Kennard, S. Kepfer-Rojas, M. L. Khan, J. N. Kigomo, H. S. Kim, C. Klauberg, Y. Klomberg, H. Korjus, S. Kothandaraman, F. Kraxner, A. Kumar, R. Kuswandi, M. Lang, M. J. Lawes, R. V. Leite, G. Lentner, S. L. Lewis, M. B. Libalah, J. Lisingo, P. M. López-Serrano, H. Lu, N. V. Lukina, A. M. Lykke, V. Maicher, B. S. Maitner, E. Marcon, A. R. Marshall, E. H. Martin, O. Martynenko, F. M. Mbayu, M. T. E. Mbuvi, J. A. Meave, C. Merow, S. Miscicki, V. S. Moreno, A. Morera, S. A. Mukul, J. C. Müller, A. Murdjoko, M. G. Nava-Miranda, L. E. Ndive, V. J. Neldner, R. V. Nevenic, L. N. Nforbelie, M. L. Ngoh, A. E. N’Guessan, M. R. Ngugi, A. S. K. Ngute, E. N. N. Njila, M. C. Nyako, T. O. Ochuodho, J. Oleksyn, A. Paquette, E. I. Parfenova, M. Park, M. Parren, N. Parthasarathy, S. Pfautsch, O. L. Phillips, M. T. F. Piedade, D. Piotto, M. Pollastrini, L. Poorter, J. R. Poulsen, A. D. Poulsen, H. Pretzsch, M. Rodeghiero, S. G. Rolim, F. Rovero, E. Rutishauser, K. Sagheb-Talebi, P. Saikia, M. N. Sainge, C. Salas-Eljatib, A. Salis, P. Schall, D. Schepaschenko, M. Scherer-Lorenzen, B. Schmid, J. Schöngart, V. Šebeň, G. Sellan, F. Selvi, J. M. Serra-Diaz, D. Sheil, A. Z. Shvidenko, P. Sist, A. F. Souza, K. J. Stereńczak, M. J. P. Sullivan, S. Sundarapandian, M. Svoboda, M. D. Swaine, N. Targhetta, N. Tchebakova, L. A. Trethowan, R. Tropek, J. T. Mukendi, P. M. Umunay, V. A. Usoltsev, G. Vaglio Laurin, R. Valentini, F. Valladares, F. van der Plas, D. J. Vega-Nieva, H. Verbeeck, H. Viana, A. C. Vibrans, S. A. Vieira, J. Vleminckx, C. E. Waite, H.-F. Wang, E. K. Wasingya, C. Wekesa, B. Westerlund, F. Wittmann, V. Wortel, T. Zawiła-Niedźwiecki, C. Zhang, X. Zhao, J. Zhu, X. Zhu, Z.-X. Zhu, I. C. Zo-Bi, and C. Hui. 2022. Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients. Nature ecology & evolution: s41559-022-01831-x.
  2. (A, C, D) Cazzolla Gatti, R., P. B. Reich*, J. G. P. Gamarra, T. Crowther, C. Hui, A. Morera, J.-F. Bastin, S. de-Miguel, G.-J. Nabuurs, J.-C. Svenning, J. M. Serra-Diaz, C. Merow, B. Enquist, M. Kamenetsky, J. Lee, J. Zhu, J. Fang, D. F. Jacobs, B. Pijanowski, A. Banerjee, R. A. Giaquinto, G. Alberti, A. M. Almeyda Zambrano, E. Alvarez-Davila, A. Araujo-Murakami, V. Avitabile, G. A. Aymard, R. Balazy, C. Baraloto, J. G. Barroso, M. L. Bastian, P. Birnbaum, R. Bitariho, J. Bogaert, F. Bongers, O. Bouriaud, P. H. S. Brancalion, F. Q. Brearley, E. N. Broadbent, F. Bussotti, W. Castro da Silva, R. G. César, G. Češljar, V. Chama Moscoso, H. Y. H. Chen, E. Cienciala, C. J. Clark, D. A. Coomes, S. Dayanandan, M. Decuyper, L. E. Dee, J. Del Aguila Pasquel, G. Derroire, M. N. K. Djuikouo, T. Van Do, J. Dolezal, I. Đ. Đorđević, J. Engel, T. M. Fayle, T. R. Feldpausch, J. K. Fridman, D. J. Harris, A. Hemp, G. Hengeveld, B. Herault, M. Herold, T. Ibanez, A. M. Jagodzinski, B. Jaroszewicz, K. J. Jeffery, V. K. Johannsen, T. Jucker, A. Kangur, V. N. Karminov, K. Kartawinata, D. K. Kennard, S. Kepfer-Rojas, G. Keppel, M. L. Khan, P. K. Khare, T. J. Kileen, H. S. Kim, H. Korjus, A. Kumar, A. Kumar, D. Laarmann, N. Labrière, M. Lang, S. L. Lewis, N. Lukina, B. S. Maitner, Y. Malhi, A. R. Marshall, O. V. Martynenko, A. L. Monteagudo Mendoza, P. V. Ontikov, E. Ortiz-Malavasi, N. C. Pallqui Camacho, A. Paquette, M. Park, N. Parthasarathy, P. L. Peri, P. Petronelli, S. Pfautsch, O. L. Phillips, N. Picard, D. Piotto, L. Poorter, J. R. Poulsen, H. Pretzsch, H. Ramírez-Angulo, Z. Restrepo Correa, M. Rodeghiero, R. D. P. Rojas Gonzáles, S. G. Rolim, F. Rovero, E. Rutishauser, P. Saikia, C. Salas-Eljatib, D. Schepaschenko, M. Scherer-Lorenzen, V. Šebeň, M. Silveira, F. Slik, B. Sonké, A. F. Souza, K. J. Stereńczak, M. Svoboda, H. Taedoumg, N. Tchebakova, J. Terborgh, E. Tikhonova, A. Torres-Lezama, F. van der Plas, R. Vásquez, H. Viana, A. C. Vibrans, E. Vilanova, V. A. Vos, H.-F. Wang, B. Westerlund, L. J. T. White, S. K. Wiser, T. Zawiła-Niedźwiecki, L. Zemagho, Z.-X. Zhu, I. C. Zo-Bi, and Liang*. 2022. The number of tree species on Earth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 119:e2115329119. (IF: 9.41, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: A, C, D)
  3. Santoro, M., O. Cartus, U. Wegmüller, S. Besnard, N. Carvalhais, A. Araza, M. Herold, J. Liang, J. Cavlovic, and M. E. Engdahl. 2022. Global estimation of above-ground biomass from spaceborne C-band scatterometer observations aided by LiDAR metrics of vegetation structure. Remote Sensing of Environment 279:113114. (IF: 10.16, Q1 remote sensing, Contribution Type: B)
  4. Araza, A., S. de Bruin, M. Herold, S. Quegan, N. Labriere, P. Rodriguez-Veiga, V. Avitabile, M. Santoro, E. T. A. Mitchard, C. M. Ryan, O. L. Phillips, S. Willcock, H. Verbeeck, J. Carreiras, L. Hein, M.-J. Schelhaas, A. M. Pacheco-Pascagaza, P. da Conceição Bispo, G. V. Laurin, G. Vieilledent, F. Slik, A. Wijaya, S. L. Lewis, A. Morel, Liang, H. Sukhdeo, D. Schepaschenko, J. Cavlovic, H. Gilani, and R. Lucas. 2022. A comprehensive framework for assessing the accuracy and uncertainty of global above-ground biomass maps. Remote Sensing of Environment 272:112917. (IF: 10.16, Q1 remote sensing, Contribution Type: B)
  5. Leite, R. V., C. A. Silva, E. N. Broadbent, C. H. d. Amaral, V. Liesenberg, D. R. A. d. Almeida, M. Mohan, S. Godinho, A. Cardil, C. Hamamura, B. L. d. Faria, P. H. S. Brancalion, A. Hirsch, G. E. Marcatti, A. P. Dalla Corte, A. M. A. Zambrano, M. B. T. d. Costa, E. A. T. Matricardi, A. L. d. Silva, L. R. R. Y. Goya, R. Valbuena, B. A. F. d. Mendonça, C. H. L. Silva Junior, L. E. O. C. Aragão, M. García, Liang, T. Merrick, A. T. Hudak, J. Xiao, S. Hancock, L. Duncason, M. P. Ferreira, D. Valle, S. Saatchi, and C. Klauberg. 2022. Large scale multi-layer fuel load characterization in tropical savanna using GEDI spaceborne lidar data. Remote Sensing of Environment 268:112764. (IF: 10.16, Q1 remote sensing, Contribution Type: B)
  6. Santoro, M., O. Cartus, N. Carvalhais, D. M. A. Rozendaal, V. Avitabile, A. Araza, S. de Bruin, M. Herold, S. Quegan, P. Rodríguez-Veiga, H. Balzter, J. Carreiras, D. Schepaschenko, M. Korets, M. Shimada, T. Itoh, Á. Moreno Martínez, J. Cavlovic, R. Cazzolla Gatti, P. da Conceição Bispo, N. Dewnath, N. Labrière, Liang, J. Lindsell, E. T. A. Mitchard, A. Morel, A. M. Pacheco Pascagaza, C. M. Ryan, F. Slik, G. Vaglio Laurin, H. Verbeeck, A. Wijaya, and S. Willcock. 2021. The global forest above-ground biomass pool for 2010 estimated from high-resolution satellite observations. Earth Syst. Sci. Data 13:3927-3950. (IF: 11.33, Q1 Earth and Planetary Sciences, Contribution Type: B)
  7. da Costa, M. B. T., C. A. Silva, E. N. Broadbent, R. V. Leite, M. Mohan, V. Liesenberg, J. Stoddart, C. H. do Amaral, D. R. A. de Almeida, A. L. da Silva, L. R. Ré Y. Goya, V. A. Cordeiro, F. Rex, A. Hirsch, G. E. Marcatti, A. Cardil, B. A. F. de Mendonça, C. Hamamura, A. P. D. Corte, E. A. T. Matricardi, A. T. Hudak, A. M. A. Zambrano, R. Valbuena, B. L. de Faria, C. H. L. Silva Junior, L. Aragao, M. E. Ferreira, Liang, S. d. P. C. Carvalho, and C. Klauberg. 2021. Beyond trees: Mapping total aboveground biomass density in the Brazilian savanna using high-density UAV-lidar data. Forest Ecology and Management 491:119155. (IF: 3.13, Q1 Forestry, Contribution Type: B)
  8. Luo, W., Zhang, C.*, Zhao, X., Liang, J.* Understanding patterns and potential drivers of forest diversity in northeastern China using machine-learning algorithms. Journal of Vegetation Science 32(2): e13022 (IF: 2.70, Q1 Ecology, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  9. Morera, A., Bonet, J. A., Liang, J., & de-Miguel, S. 2021. Performance of Statistical and Machine Learning-Based Methods for Predicting Biogeographical Patterns of Fungal Productivity in Forest Ecosystems. Forest Ecosystems 8 (1), 1-14. (IF: 1.93, Q1 Forestry, Contribution Type: B)
  10. Hao, M., von Gadow, K., Alavi, S.J., Álvarez-González, J.G., Baluarte-Vásquez, J.R., Corral-Rivas, J., Hui, G., Korol, M., Kumar, R. & Liang, J. A classification of woody communities based on biological dissimilarity. Applied Vegetation Science 24: e12565. A classification of woody communities based on biological dissimilarity. Applied Vegetation Science 24:e12565. (IF: 2.57, Q1 Ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  11. Wang, Y., Ma, W., Farlee, L., Jackson, L., Shao, G., Ochuodho, T., Liang, J., and Zhou, M. 2021. A spatiotemporal analysis on the economic benefits of hardwood management in Indiana. Forest Science 67 (3): 297-311. (IF: 1.69, Q2 Ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  12. Liang, J.*, and J. G. P. Gamarra. 2020. The importance of sharing global forest data in a world of crises. Scientific Data 7:424. (IF: 5.54, Q1 Computer Science, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  13. Luo, W., H. S. Kim, X. Zhao, D. Ryu, I. Jung, H. Cho, N. Harris, S. Ghosh, C. Zhang, and Liang, J.*. 2020. New forest biomass carbon stock estimates in Northeast Asia based on multisource data. Global Change Biology 26(12): 7045-7066. doi: 10.1111/gcb.15376. (IF: 8.56, Q1 Ecology, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  14. Adrián, C., d.-M. Sergio, S. Carlos Alberto, B. R. Peter, E. C. David, H. S. B. Pedro, C. V. Alexander, G. P. G. Javier, Z. Mo, C. P. Bryan, H. Cang, W. C. Thomas, H. Bruno, P. Daniel, S.-E. Christian, B. Eben, M. A. Z. Angelica, P. Nicolas, E. O. C. A. Luiz, B. Jean-Francois, R. Devin, H. Johan van den, L. P. Pablo, and Liang, J.*. 2020. Recent deforestation drove the spike in Amazonian fires. Environmental Research Letters 15:121003. (IF: 6.19, Q1 Environmental Science, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  15. Brancalion, P. H. S., E. N. Broadbent, S. de-Miguel, A. Cardil, M. R. Rosa, C. T. Almeida, D. R. A. Almeida, S. Chakravarty, M. Zhou, J. G. P. Gamarra, Liang, J., R. Crouzeilles, B. Hérault, L. E. O. C. Aragão, C. A. Silva, and A. M. Almeyda-Zambrano. 2020. Emerging threats linking tropical deforestation and the COVID-19 pandemic. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation 18(4): 243-246. doi: 10.1016/j.pecon.2020.09.006. (IF: 3.56, Q1 Ecology, Contribution Type: B, C)
  16. Zohner, C. M., L. Mo, S. S. Renner, J.-C. Svenning, Y. Vitasse, B. M. Benito, A. Ordonez, F. Baumgarten, J.-F. Bastin, V. Sebald, P. B. Reich, Liang, J., etc. 2020. Late-spring frost risk between 1959 and 2017 decreased in North America but increased in Europe and Asia. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 117:12192-12200. (IF: 9.41, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B)
  17. Marshall, A. R., P. J. Platts, R. L. Chazdon, H. Seki, M. J. Campbell, O. L. Phillips, R. E. Gereau, R. Marchant, Liang, J., and J. Herbohn. 2020. Conceptualising the global forest response to liana proliferation. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 3:35. (Contribution Type: B, IF and SJR ranking not yet available since this is a new journal)
  18. W Ma, G. Lin, and Liang, J.*. 2020. Estimating dynamics of central hardwood forests using random forests. Ecological Modelling 419-1:108947. (IF: 2.36, Q2 Ecological Modelling, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  19. Tang, X., X. Pei, N. Lei, X. Luo, L. Liu, L. Shi, G. Chen, and Liang, J.. 2020. Global patterns of soil autotrophic respiration and its relation to climate, soil and vegetation characteristics. Geoderma 369:114339. (IF: 4.85, Q1 Soil Science, Contribution Type: B)
  20. (co-first author) Steidinger, BS, TW Crowther, Liang, J., M. E. Van Nuland, G. D. A. Werner, P. B. Reich, G. J. Nabuurs, S. de-Miguel, M. Zhou, N. Picard, and GFBI consortium. 2019. Climatic controls of decomposition drive the global biogeography of forest-tree symbioses. Nature 569:404-408. (IF: 42.78, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B, D)

      FEATURED ON NATURE COVER ON MAY 19, 2019.

  1. (co-first author) W Luo, Liang, J., R. Cazzolla Gatti, X. Zhao, and C. Zhang. 2019. Parameterization of biodiversity–productivity relationship and its scale dependency using georeferenced tree-level data. Journal of Ecology 107(3): 1106-1119. (IF: 5.76, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  2. Ma, Wu, Xiaoping Zhou, Liang, J., and Mo Zhou. 2019. Coastal Alaska forests under climate change: What to expect? Forest Ecology and Management448: 432-444. (IF: 3.17, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, D)
  3. Cazzolla Gatti, Liang, J., A. Velichevskaya, and M. Zhou. 2019. Sustainable palm oil may not be so sustainable. Science of The Total Environment 652:48-51. (IF: 6.55, Q1 environmental sciences, Contribution Type: A, B)
  4. R Cazzolla Gatti, Callaghan, T., Velichevskaya, A., Dudko, A., Fabbio, L., Battipaglia, G. and Liang, J., 2019. Accelerating upward treeline shift in the Altai Mountains under last-century climate change. Scientific Reports9: 7678. (IF: 4.00, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: A, B)
  5. L Zeller, Liang, J. and Pretzsch, H., 2018. Tree species richness enhances stand productivity while stand structure can have opposite effects, based on forest inventory data from Germany and the United States of America. Forest Ecosystems, 5(1), p.4. (IF: 1.93, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, D)
  6. Paquette, A., A. Hector, B. Castagneyrol, M. Vanhellemont, J. Koricheva, M. Scherer-Lorenzen, K. Verheyen, L. Abdala-Roberts, H. Auge, N. Barsoum, J. Bauhus, C. Baum, H. Bruelheide, B. Castagneyrol, J. Cavender-Bares, N. Eisenhauer, O. Ferlian, G. Ganade, D. Godbold, D. Gravel, J. Hall, A. Hector, R. Hobbs, D. Hoelscher, K. B. Hulvey, M. Huxham, H. Jactel, J. Koricheva, H. Kreft, Liang, J., S. Mereu, C. Messier, R. Montgomery, B. Muys, C. Nock, A. Paquette, J. Parker, W. Parker, V. Parra-Tabla, M. P. Perring, Q. Ponette, C. Potvin, P. B. Reich, B. Rewald, H. Sandén, M. Scherer-Lorenzen, A. Smith, R. Standish, M. Vanhellemont, K. Verheyen, M. Weih, M. Wollni, D. C. Zemp, and TreeDivNet. 2018. A million and more trees for science. Nature Ecology & Evolution 2:763-766. (IF: 12.54, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  7. Lee, J; Gangnon, R; Zhu, J; Liang, J. Uncertainty of a detected spatial cluster in 1D: quantification and visualization. Stat 6 (1), 345-359 (IF: 0.77, Q3 statistics, Contribution Type: B)
  8. Fu, L., Lei, X., Hu, Z., Zeng, W., Tang, S., Marshall, P., Cao, L., Song, X., Yu, L. and Liang, J., Integrating regional climate change into allometric equations for estimating tree aboveground biomass of Masson pine in China. Annals of Forest Science, 74(2), p.42. (IF: 2.16, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  9. Zhang, C., Y. Cheng, H. He, L. Gao, Liang, J., and X. Zhao. 2017. Structural drivers of biomass dynamics in two temperate forests in China. Ecosphere 8(3):e01752. 10.1002/ecs2.1752 (IF: 2.73, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, D)
  10. Fan C, Tan L, Zhang P, Liang J, Zhang C, Wang J, Zhao X, von Gadow K. 2017. Determinants of mortality in a mixed broad-leaved Korean pine forest in northeastern China. Eur J For Res:1-13. doi:10.1007/s10342-017-1045-4 (IF: 1.41, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B)
  11. Liang, J.*, W. Crowther, N. Picard, S. Wiser, M. Zhou, G. Alberti, E.-D. Schulze, A. D. McGuire, F. Bozzato, H. Pretzsch, S. de-Miguel, A. Paquette, B. Hérault, M. Scherer-Lorenzen, C. B. Barrett, H. B. Glick, G. M. Hengeveld, G.-J. Nabuurs, S. Pfautsch, H. Viana, A. C. Vibrans, C. Ammer, P. Schall, D. Verbyla, N. Tchebakova, M. Fischer, J. V. Watson, H. Y. H. Chen, X. Lei, M.-J. Schelhaas, H. Lu, D. Gianelle, E. I. Parfenova, C. Salas, E. Lee, B. Lee, H. S. Kim, H. Bruelheide, D. A. Coomes, D. Piotto, T. Sunderland, B. Schmid, S. Gourlet-Fleury, B. Sonké, R. Tavani, J. Zhu, S. Brandl, J. Vayreda, F. Kitahara, E. B. Searle, V. J. Neldner, M. R. Ngugi, C. Baraloto, L. Frizzera, R. Bałazy, J. Oleksyn, T. Zawiła-Niedźwiecki, O. Bouriaud, F. Bussotti, L. Finér, B. Jaroszewicz, T. Jucker, F. Valladares, A. M. Jagodzinski, P. L. Peri, C. Gonmadje, W. Marthy, T. O’Brien, E. H. Martin, A. R. Marshall, F. Rovero, R. Bitariho, P. A. Niklaus, P. Alvarez-Loayza, N. Chamuya, R. Valencia, F. Mortier, V. Wortel, N. L. Engone-Obiang, L. V. Ferreira, D. E. Odeke, R. M. Vasquez, S. L. Lewis, and P. B. Reich. 2016. Positive biodiversity-productivity relationship predominant in global forests. Science 354 (6309): aaf8957. DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf8957 (IF: 41.85, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  12. Liang, J.*, Watson, James V., Mo, Zhou, Lei, Xiangdong. 2016. Effects of productivity on biodiversity in forest ecosystems across the United States and China. Conservation Biology 30:308-317 (IF: 5.41, DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12636). (Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)
  13. Barrett, C. B., M. Zhou, P. B. Reich, T. W. Crowther, and Liang, J.*. 2016. Forest value: More than commercial—Response. Science 354:1541-1542. (IF: 41.85, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)
  14. W Ma, Liang, J., JR Cumming, E. Lee, A. B. Welsh, J. V. Watson, and M. Zhou. 2016. Fundamental shifts of central hardwood forests under climate change. Ecological Modelling 332:28-41. (IF: 2.36, Q2 ecological modeling, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  15. Hovi, Liang, J., L. Korhonen, H. Kobayashi, M. Rautiainen. 2016. Quantifying the missing link between forest albedo and productivity in the boreal zone. Biogeosciences 13: 1-16. (IF: 3.48, Q1 earth-surface processes, Contribution Type: B)
  16. Liang, J.*, Zhou, Mo, Tobin, Patrick C., Reich, Peter, McGuire, A. David. 2015 Biodiversity influences plant productivity through Niche-Efficiency. PNAS 112(18): 5738-5743. (IF: 9.41, Q1 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  17. JV Watson, Liang, J., Tobin, Patrick C., Lei, Xiangdong, Rench, James S., Artis, Catherine E. Large-scale Forest Inventories of the United States and China Reveals Positive Effects of Biodiversity on Productivity. Forest Ecosystems 2: 22. (IF: 1.93, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  18. Lee, E., He, Y., Zhou, M., Liang, J. 2015. Potential Causal Effects of Recent Vegetation Changes on Summer Rainfall in the Sahel. Physical Geography 36(6): 449-470. DOI: 0.1080/02723646.2015.1120139. (IF: 1.09, Q2 environmental sciences, Contribution Type: B)
  19. Picard, N., Liang, J. 2014. Matrix models for size-structured populations: unrealistic fast growth or simply diffusion? PLoS ONE 9(6): e98254. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0098254. (IF: 2.74, Q1 agriculture and biological sciences, Contribution Type: B, D)
  20. Liang, J.*, Zhou, M. 2014. Large-Scale Geospatial Mapping of Forest Carbon Dynamics. Journal of Sustainable Forestry 33:S104-S122. (IF: 1.44, Q2 forestry, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  21. RL Peterson, Liang, J.*, Barrett, T.M. Modeling Population Dynamics and Woody Biomass in Alaska Coastal Forest. Forest Science 60(2): 391-401(11). (IF: 1.69, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  22. Liang, J.*, Picard, N. 2013. Matrix Model of Forest Dynamics: An Overview and Outlook. Forest Science 59(3): 359-378. (IF: 1.69, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  23. Malone, Liang, J., Packee, E.C. 2013. Total and merchantable volume of white spruce in Alaska. Western Journal of Applied Forestry 28(2): 71-77. (IF: 0.72 in 2013, Q2 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  24. Liang, J.* Mapping large-scale forest dynamics: a geospatial approach. Landscape Ecology 27(8): 1091-1108. (IF: 4.51, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)

SINGLE-AUTHORED PAPER.

  1. -M. Yuan, S.-H. Yi, A. D. McGuire, K.D. Johnson, Liang, J., J.W. Harden, E.S. Kasischke, and W.A. Kurz. 2012. Assessment of Historical Boreal Forest C Dynamics in Yukon River Basin: Relative Roles of Warming and Fire Regime Change. Ecological Applications 22(8): 2091-2109. (IF: 4.45, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  2. Liang, J.*, M. Zhou, L. Zhang, D. Verbyla, A. Springsteen. 2011. Mapping forest dynamics under climate change: A Matrix model. Forest Ecology and Management 262: 2250-2262. (IF: 3.13, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  3. Young, B.†, Liang, J.*, F.S. Chapin III. 2011. Effects of species and tree size diversity on recruitment in the Alaskan boreal forest: A geospatial approach. Forest Ecology and Management 262(8): 1608-1617. (IF: 3.13, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  4. Ping, C-L., G.J. Michaelson, L. Guo, M.T. Jorgenson, M. Kenevskiy, Y. Shur, F. Dou, Liang, J. Soil Carbon and Material Fluxes across the Eroding Alaska Beaufort Sea Coastline. Journal of Geophysical Research 116(G2), G02004, doi:10.1029/2010JG001588. (IF: 2.80, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B)
  5. Liang, J.*, M. Zhou. 2010. A Geospatial Model of Forest Dynamics with Controlled Trend Surface. Ecological Modelling 221: 2339-2352. (IF: 2.36, Q1 ecological modeling, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  6. Liang, J.* 2010. Dynamics and Management of Alaska Boreal Forest: An All-aged Multi-species Matrix Stand Growth Model. Forest Ecology and Management 260: 491-501. (IF: 3.13, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)
  7. Malone†, Liang, J.* 2009. A bark thickness model for white spruce in Alaska northern forests. International Journal of Forestry Research 2009: 876965. doi:10.1155/2009/876965. (IF: 1.04, Q2 forestry, Contribution Type: A, B, C, D)
  8. Liang, J.*, D.E. Calkin, K.M. Gebert, T.J. Venn, R.P. Silverstein. 2008. Factors influencing large wildland fire suppression expenditures. I J. Wildland Fire 17: 650-659. (IF: 2.99, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, C, D)
  9. Zhou, M., Liang, , Buongiorno, J. 2008. Adaptive versus fixed policies for economic or ecological objectives in forest management. Forest Ecology and Management 254:178-187. (IF: 3.13, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, D)
  10. Zhou, M., Buongiorno, J., Liang, J. Economic and Ecological Effects of Diameter Caps: A Markov decision model for Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests. Forest Science 54(4): 397-407. (IF: 1.69, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B)
  11. Liang, J.*, J. Buongiorno, R.A. Monserud, E.L. Kruger, M. Zhou. 2007. Effects of diversity of tree species and size on forest basal area growth, recruitment, and mortality. Forest Ecology and Management 243: 116-127. (IF: 3.13, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)
  12. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, R.A. Monserud. 2006. Bootstrap simulation and response surface optimization of management regimes for Douglas-fir/western hemlock stands. Forest Science 52(5):579-594. (IF: 1.69, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, D, E)
  13. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, and R.A. Monserud. 2005. Growth and Yield of All-aged Douglas-fir/western hemlock Stands: A Matrix Model with Stand Diversity Effects. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 35: 2369-2382. (IF: 1.81, Q1 ecology, Contribution Type: B, D, E)
  14. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, R.A. Monserud, and J. Fried. 2005. Estimation and Application of a Growth and Yield Model for Uneven-aged Mixed Conifer Stands in California. International Forestry Review 7(2):101-112. (IF: 1.51, Q1 forestry, Contribution Type: B, D, E)
  15. Liang, J.*, 2001. Study on the desertification of Ecotone. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis 37(4): 543-549. (IF: 0.28, Q4 multidisciplinary, Contribution Type: B, C, D, E)
  1. Hand, M. S., K. M. Gebert, Liang, J., D. E. Calkin, M. P. Thompson, and M. Zhou. 2014. Economics of wildfire management: the development and application of suppression expenditure models. Springer, New York, NY. 67p.
  2. Zhou, M., Buongiorno, J., Liang, J. Bootstrap simulation, Markov decision process models, and role of discounting in the valuation of ecological criteria in uneven-aged forest management. In: Pukkala T. and Gadow K. v. (eds), Continuous Cover Forestry, Second edn. Springer, New York, NY
  3. Malone, E.C. Packee, and Liang, J. 2012. List of Plant Species Present on Forest Permanent Sample Plots in Interior and Southcentral Alaska. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station MP-2012-01. 10p.
  4. Liang, J., and J. Buongiorno. 2009. Optimizing Wood Quality and Stand Diversity in Uneven-aged Forest Management. In: R.A. Monserud and D. Dykstra (Editor), 2007 IUFRO Conference on Forest Growth and Timber Quality, Portland, OR. p169-176.
  5. Malone, T., Liang, J., Packee, E.C., 2009. Cooperative Alaska Forest Inventory, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, PNW-GTR-785. Portland, OR. 42p.
  6. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, and R.A. Monserud. 2006. WestProPlus: A spreadsheet program for the management of all-aged Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests in the Pacific Northwest. USDA Forest Service PNW-GTR-674
  7. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, A. Hubbell, and B. Schulte. 2004. NorthPro: A spreadsheet program for the management of uneven-aged northern hardwood stands. Department of Forest Ecology and Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 36p.
  8. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, and R.A. Monserud. 2004. CalPro: A spreadsheet program for the management of California mixed-conifer stands. USDA Forest Service PNW-GTR-619.

67. Liang, J. (2022) We need to count every tree on the planet – here’s why. NewScientist (3376) https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25333760-100-we-need-to-count-every-tree-on-the-planet-heres-why/: March 5th 2022.
68. Pérez, J. G., R. D. Cóndor-Golec, R. Tavani, J. Fox, and Liang, J. 2020. Pandemic Lessons: Open Data for Forest and Climate Action. IISD SDG Knowledge Hub 20200812.
69. Liang, J., de Miguel, S. 2018. Did you know? The Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative. Silva Mediterranea Issue 28 – January 2018. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2pp.
70. Liang, J., Watson, J.V. .2014. Is Forestry a Dying Profession? Here’s What Our Students Say. The Forestry Source 19(3):6.
71. Liang, J., J. Buongiorno, R. A. Monserud. 2012 Bootstrap simulation and response surface optimization in forest management. Proceedings of the 2012 Southern Forest Economics Workers (SOFEW) Annual Meeting.
72. Zhou, M., and Liang, J. 2012. Modeling Alaska Boreal Forests with a Controlled Trend Surface Approach. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-157. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 299 p.
73. Liang, J. 2011. Population Dynamics of Alaska Boreal Forest under Climate Change. In: 2011 Society of American Foresters National Convention, Honolulu, HI 2011. vol 109. Journal of Forestry, p. 493
74. Liang, J. 2011. Geospatial Mapping of Forest Dynamics. In: 2011 Society of American Foresters National Convention, Honolulu, HI. vol 109. Journal of Forestry, p. 501
75. Liang, J. 2010 Does tree diversity increase forest productivity? SciTopics (Invited article). http://www.scitopics.com/Does_Tree_Diversity_Increase_Forest_Productivity.html
76. Zhou, M., and Liang, J. 2010. Modeling Alaska boreal forests with a controlled trend surface approach. 2010 Joint Meeting of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Symposium and the Southern Mensurationists, McWilliams W & Roesch FA (eds): pp 25-39.
77. Liang, J. and M. Zhou. 2010 Dynamics and Management of Alaska Boreal Forest. SciTopics http://www.scitopics.com/Dynamics_and_Management_of_Alaska_Boreal_Forest.html

2021                        Mapping Planted Forests in China using multi-source data and machine learning. World Resources Institute (PI, Total Funded: $150,000)

2020                        Multi-sensor biodiversity framework developed from bioacoustic and spacebased sensor platforms. NASA (Co-PI, Total Funded: ca $800,000)

2020                        A Retrospective Assessment of Conservation Cost Sharing’s Success in Controlling Invasive Plants in Nonindustrial Private Forests. USDA NIFA (Co-PI, Total Funded: $500,000)

2020                        Enhancing the Awareness, Knowledge, and Understanding of Sustainable Maple Syrup Production Practices Among Current and Potential Maple Syrup Producers, USDA. (Co-PI, Total Funded: ca $499,440)

2020                        Economic Analysis of Growth & Yield and Thinning Decisions on Hardwood Plantations, Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC), USDA Forest Service, Purdue University. (Co-PI, Total Funded: ca $496,468)

2019                        Investigating ice storm risks in a changing climate, Purdue Climate Change Research Center (PCCRC). (Co-PI, Total Funded: ca $19,600)

2017                        Major international conference/workshop grant. Beijing Forestry University (PI, Total Funded: ca $98,000)

2017                        Climate change and water use: can increase diversity help protect forests? Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Co-PI, PI: Alain Paquette, Total funded: $509,000)

2016                        Integrating Biological Conservation into Sustainable Forestry Based on Nationwide Analysis of Productivity-Biodiversity Relationship. USDA NIFA (PI, Total Funded: $30,340).

2015                        Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning in North American Reclaimed Lands. ESSROC-Italcementi Group (PI, Total Funded: $69,508).

2012                        Stand Initiation Diversity Experiment. West Virginia University Research Corporation (PI, Total funded: $75,000)

2011                        Mapping and Managing Central Appalachian Temperate Forest and Alaska Boreal Forest under Climate Change: Population Dynamics, Carbon, and Biodiversity. USDA MS-104 (PI, Total Funded: $277,610)

2010                        Geospatial forest dynamics and management of Afognak Island, Alaska. Afognak Native Corporation Grant (PI, Total Funded: $29,600). Trained indigenous Afognak natives to conduct inventory and management of their forested land.

2009                        Measurement and Management of Alaska Boreal Forest Under Risks. USDA ALK-09-08 (PI, Total Funded: $723,056). Hired and trained undergraduate students including Alaska natives to conduct forest inventory.

2008                        Spatial projection of forest growth and woody biomass yield in coastal Alaska. USDA PNW 08-JV-112619 (PI, Total Funded: $56,294).

2007                        Forest Stand Characterization and Growth and Yield for the Alaskan Northern Forest. USDA ALK-03-12 (PI, Total Funded: $518,495).

Purdue University (2018-present)

  • FMAN35500 Quantitative Methods for Resource Managers (3 credits)— every spring
  • FMAN59800 Big Data in Forest Research (3 credits)— every spring semester
  • FMAN45500 Advanced Quantitative Methods for Resource Managers (3 credits)— every spring semester

 West Virginia University (2011-2017)

  • FOR205 Dendrology (lecture + 5 field lab sessions)— every fall semester
  • FMAN212 Forest ecology (lecture + 2 field lab sessions) — every fall semester
  • FMAN693 Big data analysis in forest ecology (G, lecture) — 2016, 2017
  • FMAN611 Advanced forest ecology (G, lecture) — every other spring semester

University of Alaska Fairbanks (2007-2011)

  • NRM450 Decision methods in forest management (lecture + 1 computer lab session)
  • NRM693 Spatial Modeling of Forest Resources (G, lecture)
  • NRM611 Research Methods in Natural Resource Management (G, lecture)

Liang is committed to serving as a positive role model and mentor for undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral research associates, in advising and assisting them in research and professional development. Overall, Liang has mentored 18 students and staff, including two post-doctoral research associates, 15 graduate students, and one undergraduate research student.

Hobby

Personal Records

Race history

2023 Run For Justice 10K Race

2022 Purdue Boilermaker 5K Race

Address:         Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America

Email:             jjliang@purdue.edu; alpenbering@gmail.com; albeca.liang@gmail.com

Tutorial