Stephen C Sillett

Stephen C. Sillett is a renowned American botanist specializing in the study of old-growth forest canopies, particularly focusing on redwoods. He gained prominence as the first scientist to explore the crowns of towering redwood trees, pioneering innovative climbing techniques that have revolutionized canopy research. Born in 1968 in Pennsylvania, Sillett was inspired by his grandmother's love for nature, alongside his brother Scott and sister Jodi, both of whom followed similar career paths. He pursued his academic journey at Reed College, where he earned a B.A. in biology, followed by a Master of Science from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University. Sillett's professional career began with teaching botany at Cal Poly Humboldt, where he holds the Kenneth L. Fisher Chair in Redwood Forest Ecology—the world’s first endowed position dedicated to studying redwoods. His research involves intricate canopy exploration methods, such as rope climbing and skywalking, to study epiphytes and water storage in ancient redwoods. Among his notable achievements, Sillett co-discovered the Grove of Titans, a stand of giant sequoias, and verified Hyperion as the world’s tallest tree at 115.55 meters in 2006. He has authored numerous academic papers and is featured in Richard Preston's book *The Wild Trees*, which highlights his groundbreaking climbs and scientific contributions. Sillett’s personal life includes marriage to Marie Antoine, a fellow botanist who collaborates on field research. His accolades include the William Sterling Sullivant Award and affiliations with prominent scientific societies. Through his work, Sillett continues to advance our understanding of ...