Jim Mattsson

Jim Mattsson is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU), specializing in Plant Functional Genomics. His research focuses on mitigating climate change impacts on crops and forest trees, including improving drought tolerance in rice, poplars, and western redcedar. He leads studies on genetic mechanisms underlying vein formation in rice and metabolite production in conifers for defense against herbivores and pathogens.

Education:

• BSc, Uppsala University, Sweden
• PhD, Uppsala University, Sweden

Research Interests:

• C4 photosynthesis engineering in rice
• Vein patterning and auxin signaling
• Climate-resilient forest tree varieties
• Monoterpenoid and diterpenoid biosynthesis in conifers
• Heartwood rot resistance mechanisms

Publications: Over 25 peer-reviewed articles, including work on auxin response factors in rice, drought-resistant poplar hybrids, and thujone biosynthesis in western redcedar. Recent studies explore biological responses to salmon-derived nutrients in coastal ecosystems and micropropagation techniques for valuable timber species.

Advising & Grants: Advises graduate students on plant genetics and molecular biology projects. Active in securing grants for tree improvement and climate resilience research.

Labs & Collaborations: Leads a lab focused on plant functional genomics and collaborates with forest geneticists to identify drought-tolerant tree variants. Research extends to reforestation strategies for yellow cedar decline in Alaskan/BC coastal regions.