A primary goal of this research laboratory is to develop and maintain an innovative program that applies genetic and genomic technologies to the study, management and restoration of our natural resources. The program includes two major areas of research. The first is to advance our understanding of wood formation and ways to improve wood production thereby reducing harvest pressures on natural forests. This research area targets plant vascular development with an emphasis on wood formation. We employ a multifaceted approach incorporating genomics, bioinformatics and molecular biology. The second area of program focus is in conservation genetics and the application to study, management and restoration of forest, wildlife and threatened species. This program has produced molecular markers for a number of species. Molecular markers and DNA sequenced based analyses are used to study, monitor and manage plant and animal populations.