My Projects
A selection of my work across science communication, visual storytelling, and forest and fire ecology.
The Forest Keeps Its Own Record -
Fire, Science and Stewardship on the East Side of Mount Hood.
FULL FILM TO BE PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2026
Selected clips demonstrating the film’s approach to translating complex forest science through visual storytelling.
I created this short documentary as my Master of Forestry capstone project at Oregon State University to translate complex fire ecology research into an engaging story for public and professional audiences.
Developed in collaboration with the Oregon State University Tree Ring Lab, Hood River Forest Collaborative, and Wasco County Forest Collaborative, the film explores what tree rings and fire scars can reveal about centuries of fire and forest change on the east side of Mount Hood—and how understanding that history can provide context for forest stewardship today.
I led the project from data collection to final production, including research synthesis, communication design, scriptwriting, interviewing, videography, graphics, narration, and editing.
Life in the Tree Ring Lab
Fieldwork and Forest History at Oregon State University
I created this short video to offer a glimpse into life in Oregon State University’s Tree Ring Lab—from long days collecting samples in the field to the careful lab work required to turn tree rings and fire scars into records of forest history.
Every photo and video featured in this piece was captured by me during my time with the Tree Ring Lab, and I edited and produced the final video. I wanted it to highlight both sides of this work: the rigor, patience, and precision behind dendrochronology, and the joy, curiosity, teamwork, and fun that make doing science so rewarding.
I believe that science communication is about more than explaining methods or results. I love finding ways to show the people and experiences behind the science—and to make complex research feel approachable, engaging, and human.
Presentation at the 11th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress.
As part of my presentation at the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) Conference 2025, I created this two-minute video to demonstrate how short-form media and visual storytelling can make complex science engaging and accessible to broader audiences.
My presentation focused on my work with Engage Mt. Hood: Science Communication and Community Collaboration, a collaborative project connecting forest and fire research with community audiences. As part of my Master of Forestry capstone, I led the science communication component of the project, exploring how creative media can help bridge the gap between scientific research and the people and communities it serves.
College of Forestry News - Reading the rings: The College of Forestry Tree Ring Lab connects Oregon’s past, present and future.
“I chose this science communication project because I believe rebuilding trust between the public and forest management is essential for the future of forestry,” Maddie said. “Working in the Tree Ring Lab showed me how valuable historical fire data can be for guiding management, so it felt like a perfect fit to engage in a project that would allow me to explore the best ways to share this information.”
"Share the Joy" - Placer Grown Mandarins
I provided voice-over narration for this short-form, public-facing video produced by Placer County Government, promoting locally grown mandarins and connecting audiences with Placer County farms and markets.
Published December 23, 2021.
Tree Ring Lab Research
Explore research projects I have contributed to as a field crew member and research assistant with Oregon State University's Tree Ring Lab. My work has included field data collection, forest inventory and tree-ring sampling, laboratory processing, and data analysis, supporting research focused on forest development, fire history, and wildlife habitat across Oregon and Washington.
Projects include:
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Fire and Successional Histories of Marbled Murrelet Nesting Habitat
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The McDonald-Dunn Fire History Project
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Fire and Successional Histories of Mature and Old-Growth Forests in the Western Cascades
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Using Historical Forest and Fire Dynamics to Guide Fire Resilience Across Dry to Moist Forests on the Mt. Hood Wildfire Crisis Priority Landscape