Arthur Lamounier Moura is working on a doctorate in forestry.
Arthur Lamounier Moura’s research is titled “A Functional Approach to Understanding Forest Flammability and the Ecological Consequences of Fire Suppression on Tree Regeneration and Fire Behavior.”
Arthur Lamounier Moura’s research will help land managers and fire practitioners understand when prescribed fire alone is sufficient for the conservation and restoration of fire-dependent forests or if other strategies must be used.
Student Research Spotlight - Arthur Lamounier Moura
Arthur Lamounier Moura won first place in the poster category, University-Wide Graduate Student Winners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, during the 2022 Auburn Research: Student Symposium.
Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Degree and major: Doctorate in Forestry
College: Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
Class year: 2024
Faculty mentor: Heather Alexander
A Functional Approach to Understanding Forest Flammability and the Ecological Consequences of Fire Suppression on Tree Regeneration and Fire Behavior
What are you researching?
My research focuses on understanding the ecological consequences of intentional fire exclusion on historically open-forest, fire-dependent landscapes in the southeastern U.S. We are specifically investigating how encroachment of fire-sensitive, shade-tolerant species—such as sweetgum and red maple—into forests influence our ability to conduct controlled burns through their impacts on forest fuel dynamics. We also are interested in understanding how this encroachment and consequential impacts on fuels and forest flammability can potentially lead to the decline of fire-tolerant species, like shortleaf and longleaf pine, southern red oak and white oak.
How could the results benefit individuals, agencies or companies?
One of the greatest qualities of our research in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab is the applicability of the results to fire management of public and private lands, but ultimately for the conservation of woodlands and savannas across the southeastern U.S. Our research will help land managers and fire practitioners understand when prescribed fire alone is sufficient for the conservation and restoration of fire-dependent forests or if other strategies must be used to achieve desired objectives, such as promoting conservation-targeted species, like longleaf pine, southern red oak and white oak.
Tell us why you enjoy research.
To me, research is an extraordinary path to contribute to a better society and the conservation of natural ecosystems, fauna and flora on the planet. We are constantly challenged to better understand the natural world and to find solutions to preserve the invaluable resources that nature provides to our society. I also enjoy the opportunity that scientific research gives us to add to a vast field of knowledge that was there before us and will remain after us.
What advice would you give to other students considering doing a research project?
This may sound cliché, but my main advice to students considering doing a research project would be from day one to the last day: Be patient and kind to yourself along the journey, be it a master’s or a doctorate degree, because research is a long process of learning and developing skills. Things will not always be bad and not always be good. What really makes a difference are the people you meet along the way, the collaborations and the relationships you establish with colleagues, mentors and friends, who will help you achieve goals and make contributions to a field of study.
Tell us about any hobbies or activities you enjoy.
I love playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, listening to audiobooks, studying photography and playing soccer.
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