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People

Adam Wild

adw94@cornell.edu

Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Director of the Uihlein Maple Research Forest
Northern New York Maple Specialist
Co-Director, Cornell Maple Program

M.S. Forestry, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
B.T. Plant Science, SUNY Cobleskill

As director of the 350 acre Uihlein Forest, Adam performs applied research and oversees sugaring operations within the 6,000+ maple tap operation along with tapping and producing other tree syrups such as birch and beech. Adam’s research interest include production efficiency, sugarbush management, forest health, sap collection and processing, quality of maple products, and syrup from other tree species. Adam eagerly provides support and education to any maple producer or maple enthusiast.

 

Aaron Wightman

arw6@cornell.edu

NY State Maple Specialist
Co-Director, Cornell Maple Program

PhD. student, Natural Resources, Cornell University
M.F. Forestry, Virginia Tech
B.A. Biology, Cornell University

 
 

Aaron conducts research  in all aspects of maple production, marketing and forest management. He also oversees the operation of the 7,500 tap research sugarbush and maple laboratory at the Arnot Forest, and participates in extension and educational programs. Aaron’s applied research interests include improved sap handling processes, alternative tree saps, sugarbush agroforestry systems, and new product development. His scholarly research examines the role of natural resource based industries in rural community well being.

 

Keith Otto

Maple Technician

Paul Smith’s College graduate

 
 

Keith Otto is the maple technician at the Uihlein Maple Research Forest. He began this role in 2017 after having worked seasonally for the forest in prior years. Keith has over five years of experience with all aspects of maple syrup production, from the tree to value added processing. He also has an extensive background in the brewing industry, having worked for multiple breweries around New York State. Keith teaches the craft brewing course at Paul Smith’s College in addition to his work at the Uihlein Maple Research Forest.

 

photo of Robert Daniel

Robert Daniel

rgd4@cornell.edu

Maple Technician

B.S. Natural Resources, Cornell University
 
 
 
 

 

Robert Daniel joined the Arnot Forest team in 2021 following almost two decades of vineyard management. Prior to a career in vineyard management, Robert spent 8 years serving in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division as an infantryman. He has since taken on managing the Arnot Forest Sugarbush and leading maple syrup production at the new Maple Research Facility. Robert is also a brewing expert and has worked on developing the ideal maple beer recipe.

 

Ailis Clyne

abc237@cornell.edu

Maple Technician

B.S. Environmental Science and Sustainability, Cornell University

 

Ailis joined the Arnot Forest research team in 2018. Her research interests include forest ecology and sustainable resource management, temperate agroforestry systems, and all things value-added. She works on maple-based fermentation and developing novel maple products including wines, vinegar, and chocolate. Further, she is interested in developing a range of other value-added products from the woods and has played a role in establishing agroforestry research at the Arnot Forest. Ailis produces Cornell Maple Program media including video content, web-based maple calculators, and the program podcast, Sweet Talk: All Things Maple. Additionally, she makes improvements to existing media, including the Cornell Maple Program Website.

 

Catherine Belisle

cb768@cornell.edu

Research Support Specialist

Ph.D. (Postharvest) Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida
M.S. Horticultural Sciences, University of Georgia
B.S. Food Science, University of Tennessee
 

 

Catherine joined the Cornell Maple Program in 2021 as a product development food scientist. Her research focus is on developing and improving formulations for maple value-added products including sports drinks, sodas, chocolates, and others. She also participates in extension outreach and is interested in helping maple producers optimize the quality and shelf-life of their value-added products.

 

Peter Smallidge

pjs23@cornell.edu

NYS Extension Forester
Arnot Teaching and Research Forest Director

PhD. State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry
M.S. State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry
B.S. Purdue University

Peter Smallidge’s overall goal is to integrate extension and research in support of productive and healthy forest ecosystems in New York and the Northeast. His research and extension activities focus on forest management impacts on landscape quality, forest regeneration and its limitations imposed through high-grading, and healthy and productive sugarbushes.

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