Our People

M.S., University of Idaho, 2016
B.S., University of Idaho, 2012

Ph.D., University of Idaho, 2020
M.S., University of Oregon, 2002
B.S., Western Carolina University, 1992

Ph.D., University of Wyoming, 2016
M.S., University of Wyoming, 2013
B.S., University of Wyoming, 2011

M.S., Utah State University, 2007
B.S., Utah State University, 2003

Ph.D., University of Idaho
M.S., University of Idaho
B.S., University of Idaho

Support the advancement of the forest operations and products manufacturing sectors through workforce development and training, applied research and diverse educational efforts.

Degrees

• Ph.D., University of Idaho, 2022
• M.S., Natural Resources, University of Idaho, 2017
• B.S., Forest Operations, Paul Smith's College, 2014
• B.S., Ecological Forest Management, Paul Smith's College, 2014
• A.A.S., Forest Technology, Paul Smith's College, 2013

Research Interests

• Workforce development
• Forest operations
• Smart forestry
• Forest products manufacturing
• Remote sensing and GIS
• Logging safety

Selected Publications

• Becker, R.M. (2024). Leveraging technology to engage the next generation of forest operations workers. Forest Resources Association, Technical Release 24-R-12.
• Becker, R.M., Keefe, R.F. (2022) A novel smartphone-based activity recognition modeling method for tracked equipment in forest operations. PLoS ONE. 17(4):e0266568. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0266568
• Becker, R.M., Keefe, R.F. (2022) Development of activity recognition models for mechanical fuel treatments using consumer-grade GNSS-RF devices and lidar. Forestry. doi:10.1093/forestry/cpab058
• Becker, R.M., Keefe, R.F. (2020). Prediction of fuel loading following mastication treatments in forest stands in North Idaho, USA. Sustainability. 12(17), 7025. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12177025
• Keefe, R.F., Wempe, A.M., Becker, R.M., Zimbelman, E.G., Nagler, E.S., Gilbert, S.L., Caudill, C.C. (2019). Positioning methods and the use of location and activity data in forests. Forests. 10(5), 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/f10050458
• Becker, R.M., Keefe, R.F., Anderson, N.M., Eitel, J.U.H. (2018). Use of LiDAR-derived landscape parameters to characterize alternative harvest system options in the Inland Northwest. International Journal of Forest Engineering. 29(3), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1080/14942119.2018.1497255
• Becker, R.M., Keefe, R.K., Anderson, N.M. (2017). Use of real-time GNSS-RF data to characterize the swing movements of forestry equipment. Forests. 8(2), 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/f8020044

Awards and Honors

• Western Region Technical Writing Award - Forest Resources Association, 2023
• SAF Forest Science and Technology Board Presentation Award, 2015

Ph.D., Texas A & M University
M.S., Montana State University
B.S., Brigham Young University
A.S., Ricks College