Justin Whitehill

Justin Whitehill is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University, part of the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on conifer defense mechanisms against insect pests and pathogens, with particular emphasis on genetic improvement of Christmas trees like Fraser fir. Key areas include CRISPR-based genome editing, somatic embryogenesis, and transcriptomic analyses of defense responses.

He leads projects addressing pest resilience in conifers, including the $1.5M 'Christmas Tree Genome Project' and USDA-funded initiatives to combat Phytophthora root rot and balsam woolly adelgid. Notable grants also fund development of bioluminescent Christmas trees through genetic engineering. His work integrates molecular biology, genomics, and field trials to advance sustainable forestry practices.

Research interests span conifer secondary metabolites (terpenes), stone cell formation, and systemic defense signaling. He collaborates with the NCSU Christmas Tree Genetics Program and industry stakeholders to translate lab discoveries into field applications for North Carolina's $100M+ Christmas tree industry.

Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in CRISPR delivery systems for conifers and the role of terpene blends in consumer preferences. Ongoing work explores RNA integrity in seed aging and high-resolution sub-cellular imaging techniques for omics applications.