Gary Peter

Professor, Forest Genomics and Cell Biology

Gary Peter is a professor of genetics in FFGS. He is also a member of the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics and Genomics graduate programs. He researches the genetic mechanisms that control forest tree growth, wood properties, fungal and insect resistance. He co-directs the Cooperative Forest Genetics Research Program that breeds loblolly and slash pine for commercial deployment. He co-directs the multidisciplinary Forest Biology Research Cooperative which researches the interactions between genetics, silviculture and the environment on southern pine productivity, health and sustainability.

Courses Taught

• Research Interests

  Research is focused in three areas: (1) Genetic mechanisms that control metabolic and regulatory networks that control variation in growth, wood quality, fungal and insect resistance; (2) Accelerating breeding and deployment of southern pines; and (3) Improving productivity, health and sustainability of planted pines.

• Education

  • PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, Plant Biochemistry
  • AB, University of Chicago, Biology