Francisco X. Aguilar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Forestry
School of Natural Resources
203 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Bldg
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO
Phone: (573) 882-6304
aguilarf@missouri.edu
Francisco X. Aguilar,
a native of Equador, earned an M.S. in Agricultural Economics and a Ph.D. in Forestry from Louisiana State
University. Aguilar's research interests include the study of spatial phenomena occurring in the Forest Industry. His work has focused on the application of Cluster and Location Theories to analyze the Forest Industry in the United States. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of the industry is essential to the identification of competitive advantages in the global market. Aguilar considers it to be necessary to incorporate a spatial dimension when analyzing natural resource problems because of interrelated biological, social and economic variants involved in forest management and land uses. Aguilar has studied the development and expansion of environmental certification programs in the global marketplace. In particular, he has focused on the potential adoption of a common global code of conduct for sustainable forest management. Aguilar's interest in consumer preferences lies in his belief that a better understanding of purchasing preferences is key to promoting sustainable consumption patterns. Given the current potential for the development of biomass energy sources, Aguilar is also interested in studying the economic impact of renewable energy initiatives on the forest resource. Aguilar's diverse portfolio of research interests is grounded in his desire to enhance peoples' well-being and to contribute to the efficient use of the world's natural resources.
Areas of
Work: Spatial analysis of natural resource-based industries; forest industry corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship programs; consumer preferences for forest products; forest sector economic development.
