The Davey Institute hired two new tree science experts to assist in technical support, research and training for The Davey Tree Expert Co.: Christine Balk and Aaron Carpenter.
Balk, a plant biologist holds, will work to diagnose and develop treatments for tree diseases, in addition to providing training support for Davey field employees. She is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the American Phytopathological Society.
Balk holds a master’s degree in plant pathology from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Lawrence University.
Carpenter, a forest resources expert, will provide education, training and diagnostic support to Davey’s mid-Atlantic region. A member of the ISA and Utility Arborist Association, Carpenter has studied the effect of climate changes on how tree branches bend and fail.
He holds a master’s degree in forestry, specializing in tree biomechanics, from West Virginia University (WVU) and has a bachelor’s degree in forest resources management from WVU.
“We are just beginning to scratch the surface of understanding how trees bend and break, so having Aaron’s expertise in-house has implications both for safe work practices and how winter storms contribute to utility power outages,” said Jim Zwack, director of technical services for Davey. “And Christine’s pathology background brings additional capacity to our lab and bolsters our initiatives in plant health care and the management of exotic, invasive threats.”
