Brandon Sloan is an Associate R&D Staff Scientist in the Bioresource Science and Engineering Group within the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 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.

Professional Experience

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Bioresource Science and Engineering Group, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 2023-2026.

Water Resources Engineer (EIT), Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, 2013-2016.

Education