Gary Coleman

Dr. Gary Coleman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has held this position since 1995, following a postdoctoral research associate tenure at Oregon State University (1990–1995). His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and physiology to study nitrogen cycling and homeostasis in trees, emphasizing perennial systems' competitive advantages in nitrogen-limited environments. Research focuses on poplar trees as a model organism to investigate seasonal nitrogen remobilization and storage protein mechanisms.

Education: Ph.D. in Horticulture-Forestry from the University of Nebraska; M.S. and B.S. in Forest Genetics and Forest Biology from Colorado State University. Professional experience includes postdoctoral training at Oregon State University and a 1995–present appointment at the University of Maryland.

Research Interests: Gary’s research explores nitrogen storage and cycling in woody plants, particularly seasonal mobilization of nitrogen in temperate deciduous trees and tropical species. Key topics include auxin transport’s role in nitrogen flux, metabolic interactions between carbon and nitrogen in poplar, and the application of CRISPR-Cas12a variants for genome editing. His studies aim to enhance nitrogen-use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices in changing climates.

Awards and Recognition:

• Junior Faculty Excellence Award, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Marsho Award for best graduate student paper (1999)
• Membership in National Academy of Sciences Committees (1998–1999; 2002–2004)
• Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar mentor recognition (2015)
• Testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee (2012)

Grants and Advising: Gary’s research has been supported by National Academy of Sciences committee appointments and institutional funding. He has mentored students in high-impact research, though no formal advisees are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His work aligns with grants focused on genomic tools for sustainable crop development and climate resilience.

Labs and Teams: Gary leads a research laboratory at the University of Maryland, specializing in nitrogen cycling dynamics in poplar. Collaborations include interdisciplinary efforts within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to address environmental and agricultural challenges through plant science innovation.