Aaron Johnston, Ph.D.
Aaron Johnston studies extinction dynamics and microrefugia of the American pika as a Mendenhall Fellow with Erik Beever. He is also an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington.
Research Interest
Aaron is broadly interested in wildlife research that advances ecological theories and management of natural resources. His previous studies have involved a wide range of taxa in terrestrial and aquatic systems for investigations on rare species, invasive species, interspecific competition, forest management, and grazing effects on wildlife. Aaron is especially excited about innovative approaches to wildlife research facilitated by new remote-sensing technologies that describe habitat features across landscapes at high spatiotemporal resolutions. His recent studies on tree squirrels, red tree voles, and pikas have explored novel applications of airborne LiDAR that improved habitat modeling and hypothesis testing for these species. His current study involves developing new models for microtopography, microclimate, phenology, and snowpack dynamics from land-, air-, and space-based sensors to advance understanding of pika distributions and responses to climate change.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2013. Wildlife Science, University of Washington
M.S. 2006. Wildlife Science, Oregon State University
B.S. 2000. Wildlife Ecology, Texas A&M University
Science and Products
Annotated bibliography of scientific research on greater sage-grouse published from 2015 to 2019
Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States
Ecological consequences of anomalies in atmospheric moisture and snowpack
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2016 annual report
Annotated bibliography of scientific research on greater sage-grouse published since January 2015
Vegetation responses to sagebrush-reduction treatments measured by satellites
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Annotated bibliography of scientific research on greater sage-grouse published from 2015 to 2019
Comparative performance and trend of remotely sensed phenology and productivity metrics across the Western United States
Ecological consequences of anomalies in atmospheric moisture and snowpack
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2017 annual report
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2016 annual report
Annotated bibliography of scientific research on greater sage-grouse published since January 2015
Vegetation responses to sagebrush-reduction treatments measured by satellites
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.