Derek Scasta, Ph.D.
Dr. Scasta has served as the Director of LREC since the fall of 2024 and before that served as the Associate Director beginning in early 2023. Scasta oversees all LREC farm and ranch operations, as well as research and extension initiatives which includes cooperation with more than 20 faculty colleagues annually. Scasta has been at UW since 2014 as an associate professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and holds a Ph.D. and professional certifications in range management. His work at LREC has included development of infrastructure at the McGuire Ranch for a large-scale grazing management and rangeland soil health project. Additionally, Scasta has been investigating the use of fire to manage greasewood shrubs; how sheep target toxic plants; wildlife-friendly fencing effects on livestock and wildlife; and general range management questions related to livestock grazing across Wyoming, including on public lands.