Barb Thomas

Prof. Barb Thomas is a Professor in the Renewable Resources Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. She also serves as Associate Dean. Her expertise spans applied tree improvement, ecophysiology, and climate resilience. She holds an NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement (2014–2024) and leads projects like RES-FOR, integrating genomics into forest breeding. She collaborates with industry partners such as Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries and government agencies. Her research focuses on enhancing tree productivity, drought resistance, and genetic gain models. She teaches courses like Management and Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources (REN R 368) and supervises numerous graduate students and postdocs. Key achievements include advancing genomic selection techniques and evaluating hybrid poplar adaptability.

• Education: PhD, MSc, BSc (Agronomy)
• Affiliations: RES-FOR Project Lead, Tree Improvement Lab Coordinator, NSERC Chair.

Research Interests:
Her work addresses challenges in tree improvement, including optimizing genetic gain in white spruce and lodgepole pine, climate adaptation strategies, and socio-economic impacts of tree improvement programs. She explores trade-offs between wood quality and growth under drought, and the role of hybrid vigour in balsam poplar. She emphasizes integrating ecological, genetic, and policy perspectives to ensure resilient forests.

Grants and Partnerships:
Led a Genome Canada-funded $5.67M RES-FOR project (2015–2019) on resilient forests. Collaborates with industry and government on tree breeding, pest resistance, and climate change adaptation. Projects include genomic selection, growth modeling, and policy analysis.

Awards and Roles:
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement (2014–2024)
- Member, International Poplar Commission (FAO) Executive Committee
- Board Member, Tree Improvement Alberta

Labs and Teams:
- Thomas Tree Improvement Lab
- RES-FOR Collaborative Network
- Industry-Government Research Consortia