By Andi Anderson
The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University has announced that Brent Sohngen has been named a Distinguished University Professor. This title is the highest faculty honor awarded by the university and recognizes exceptional achievement in research, teaching, and service.
Sohngen is a professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. He is internationally known for his work in forestry economics and for studying nature-based solutions to environmental and resource challenges. His research focuses on how forests and land use can improve environmental outcomes while supporting sound economic decision making.
Through advanced forest and land-use models, Sohngen examines how real-world markets respond to environmental changes. His work has shown how forests can play a major role in long-term sustainability. These models have been used to inform policy decisions in the United States and other countries, including contributions to the National Climate Assessment.
“Brent’s scholarship has made a meaningful impact on our understanding of the environmental and economic challenges facing agriculture and natural resources,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. “His work reflects the kind of rigorous research and public value we celebrate at CFAES, and this recognition honors both his scholarly contributions and his leadership in advancing knowledge that helps inform decision-making.”
Sohngen’s research data have also been applied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study forest carbon storage and land-use change at national and global levels. In addition, he has served on a National Academy of Sciences committee that evaluated the economic and environmental effects of renewable fuel policies.
A member of the Ohio State faculty since 1996, Sohngen is highly respected for his dedication to teaching and mentoring students. He has helped build interdisciplinary programs that connect sustainability, energy, and environmental economics with real policy and workforce needs.
Through Ohio State Extension, he also leads a long-running webinar series that translates scientific research into practical information for farmers, land managers, and public agencies.
The Distinguished University Professor title is awarded annually to a small number of faculty members who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement. Recipients also receive a one-time grant to support their academic work and join a university advisory committee, further strengthening Ohio State’s mission of education and public service.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Education