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.