Oscar Garcia Companys, MS

I’m a forester and field researcher in Dr. Hugh Safford’s lab at UC Davis. Currently, I’m working on the “Scaling Science-Driven Vegetation Treatments for a Wildfire Resilient California” project, led by UC San Diego. My role focuses on integrating terrestrial LiDAR technology into California’s prescribed fire monitoring program. I’m developing highly accurate 3D fuel models to support more effective prescribed burn planning and implementation across the state.

Also, I directed the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program at California State Parks, where I designed and implemented a new monitoring program for grasslands and shrublands. I also led the fieldwork campaign for the California Shrubland Carbon Sampling Framework with the California Air Resources Board, where I coordinated statewide logistics, field protocols, and data management. I continue to contribute to the California Prescribed Fire Monitoring Program and manage the Safford Lab website.

Before joining UC Davis, I worked in forest inventory, planning, and harvesting in the Mediterranean ecosystems of Catalonia, Spain. My career began at the Forestry Science Center of Catalonia and continued at the Solsonès Forestry School. I’m currently on leave from a permanent forester position with the Catalonian Forest Service.