Scott Franz

Research Assistant

Education

• M.S. Forestry – Northern Arizona University – December 2023
• B.S. Computer Science – University of San Francisco – May 2014

Bio

Scott has worked in software engineering, marketing, and even Lyft driving before finding his way to NAU’s School of Forestry, where he earned an M.S. in the Communities, Forests, and Fire Research Group. His thesis examined the how land management professionals interpret wildfire policy governing management of natural ignitions, specifically when considering the decision to manage a fire for objectives other than full suppression (i.e., ecological benefits or reducing firefighter exposure). Scott’s diverse background from software to social science has led him to the ERI, at the intersection of people, policy, research, and technology to solve difficult human and ecological problems. He works as a Research Assistant on the ReShape project, where he’ll help research how decision support tools impact decision-making and efficacy of fuel and fire treatments in the United States.

When not at the office, Scott enjoys rock climbing and hiking across the country, learning his favorite tunes on guitar, and playing Dungeons and Dragons every week with his close friends.