Dr. Covey is interested in understanding terrestrial ecosystems and their role in climate and life. As an Ecologist, and a Biogeochemist, Kris works to integrate his research into solutions for managing human dominated landscapes for multiple values. His core research focuses on quantifying the flux of greenhouse gases from terrestrial ecosystems and building solutions for managing landscapes for climate benefit. More broadly, his research recognizes that in order to combat our most pressing environmental problems it is imperative that we achieve a better understanding of the dynamic nature of landscapes, recognize the role of disturbance in shaping these dynamics, and incorporate this knowledge in sustainable systems for multiple-values management.

Prior to coming to Skidmore, Dr. Covey was the Lead Scientist at the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative and a Lecturer in Forest Dynamics at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. In his time there, he co-founded the Western Research Fellowship and the Quick Carbon research program, served as a member of the School's Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Committee, and as a member of Yale University’s Carbon Offset Task Force. As a contributor to the Global Carbon Project's Methane Working Group, he authored the vegetation section of the 2017 Global Methane Budget, the first time plants are recognized as distinct source category.

Dr. Covey has a Ph.D. in Silviculture and Biogeochemistry a Masters of Forestrey degree from Yale University. He also has a Bachelors degree in Physics from State University of New York.