Hardwood genomics. Identifying key genes in the root development of poplar trees. Cultivating Chinese Elm via tissue-culture. Targeting small RNAs for destruction in rice epigenome by short tandem target mimic. Understanding the relation of oak species in the context of drought and climate change. Modifying plant cell walls for bioenergy production. Solve forestry problems using biogeochemistry, functional genomics, ecological genetics, gene expression data analysis and other tools that lead to healthier trees, and respond to ecological challenges. Manipulate plants by transforming with sequences promoting cell division. Research hybridization and divergent selection in multispecies oak communities or poplar gene expression data analysis pipelines, and adaptive genetic diversity in American chestnut.
Master's Courses
If you are working toward your master of science degree, you will select your study program in consultation with your advisor and committee. Course work requirements specific to CFRES are:
- FW 5800—Master's Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
- FW 5810—Research Methods in Natural Resources (2 credits)*
- One upper division statistics class from the list of suggested courses*
* Not required for Peace Corps and Masters of Forestry students, except 4+1
Approval of equivalent courses can be given by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science graduate program director in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The advisory committee may specify certain courses in which a student must achieve a grade of B or better.
PhD Courses
Doctoral students select the program of study in consultation with their advisor and committee. Course work requirements specific to CFRES are:
FW 5800—Graduate Seminar (1 credit-recommended in 2nd or 3rd year)
FW 5810—Research Methods in Natural Resources (2 credits-take in first year)
One upper division statistic class from the list of suggested courses.
Approval of equivalent courses may be given by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Graduate Program Director in consultation with the student's advisory committee. The advisory committee may specify certain courses in which a student must achieve a grade B or better.
Degree Options
Program Strengths and Opportunities
- Understand the life process and genetic controls of forest organisms as they relate to their environment, from plant breeding to forensic biology. Measure and conserve genetic diversity in natural populations, or manage it in tree-breeding programs.
- The most lab-based of our graduate programs, but highly relevant to the field, working with mechanisms of heredity and expression of genotypes in forest trees especially to forest sustainability and climate-change mitigation, as well as forest restoration.
- Study the evolution of trees as drivers of terrestrial biodiversity. Work on important developments related to climate change response, for example, growing the right species in the right places.
- DNA microarray, DNA sequencing, remote sensing, plant and soil ecology: 6,500 feet of labs and facilities, 2,000 feet of greenhouse, and 5,397 acres of research forest. Collaborative research labs and institutions across campus.
- A 100-percent job placement rate for graduate students in this discipline.
- Tap into the wide breadth of expertise within our small, friendly academic community. Get to know us, and find who you want to work with.
- Research degrees are non-specific, and we intentionally set a low number of required classes, unless your committee requires them.
- Explore your interests with your committee and your advisor to define the optimal educational experience.
"To reveal these hidden transcripts of tree genomes, we employ a novel experiment method for systematic identification of NATs in Populus and Pine genomes."