Co-opted 2024

Day Job: Senior Scientist and Head of Forest Genetics at Forest Research, an agency of the Forestry Commission

Joan holds a degree in Horticultural Botany from Reading University and a PhD in Plant Physiology from Edinburgh University.

At Forest Research, Joan’s research is mainly focused on genetic diversity, geneflow and adaptation in woodlands. She is particularly interested in understanding the role these play in determining the resilience of our forests to threats such as pests, diseases and climate change.  She is also experienced in working at the research/policy interface and in explaining the implications of her research to policy makers. She represents Forest Research in EUFORGEN (European Forest Genetic Resources Programme) and the DEFRA DNA Centre of Excellence.