Bio
Brandon Sloan is an Associate R&D Staff Scientist in the Bioresource Science and Engineering Group within ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division. He is also a UT‑ORII Fellow with the Circular Bioeconomy Systems (CBS) Convergent Research Initiative.
His research focuses on predictive traits‑to‑ecosystem modeling of biofeedstocks using process‑based and machine‑learning models, multi‑scale observations, and data assimilation and forecasting. As part of the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, he investigates mechanisms of poplar drought resilience by coupling a terrestrial biosphere model with genetically diverse greenhouse and common‑garden observations. This model‑data integration supports a suitability analysis for specific poplar genotypes on marginal lands across the U.S.
He also studies how Model‑Experiment (ModEx) coupling can improve model predictions, guide data collection, and support model development. His work spans several projects, including lab‑to‑field soil respiration dynamics, commercial poplar plantation yield and soil‑health outcomes, and regional commodity crop volatility.
Within the CBS initiative, he applies traits‑to‑ecosystem modeling to perennial crops (e.g., switchgrass, miscanthus) to identify synergies and trade‑offs between environmental resilience traits and the structural properties needed for recyclable‑by‑design fibers and biopolymers for the Southeast U.S. automotive industry. His research additionally quantifies the regenerative potential of planting these perennial feedstocks on marginal lands by assessing watershed‑scale changes in water and nutrient cycling. This work supports the breeding and design of resilient feedstocks to supply a circular bioeconomy in the Southeast U.S.
Before joining ORNL, Brandon received his PhD from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities under Professor Xue Feng exploring the explanatory and predictive modeling of ecosystems under soil water stress. He also worked for a few years as a Water Resources Engineer in Minneapolis focusing on agricultural drainage, bridge hydraulics and urban stormwater design. Before that, he received his MSc from the University of Iowa studying the hydrologic impacts of agricultural tile drainage.
Professional Experience
Water Resources Engineer (EIT), Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, 2013-2016.
Education
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, PhD in Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering (minor in Mathematics), 2023
University of Iowa, MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2013
University of Wisconsin-Platteville, BSc in Environmental Engineering, 2011