Geoffrey Wasteneys

Geoffrey Wasteneys is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Science. He holds a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Plant Cell Biology and leads an active research laboratory focused on plant cell biology and development. His work bridges molecular biology, cell biology, and plant physiology to understand fundamental mechanisms of plant growth.

Dr. Wasteneys received his B.Sc. in Biology from Carleton University in 1983 and his Ph.D. in Plant Cell Biology from the Australian National University in 1989. His early career included prestigious fellowships including the National Research Fellow (1988-91), Humboldt Fellow (1992-1993) at the University of Heidelberg, Queen Elizabeth II Fellow (1992-1998), and Fellow/Senior Fellow positions (1996-2004) at the Australian National University.

Dr. Wasteneys' research primarily focuses on plant cell biology with emphasis on microtubule dynamics, cellulose biosynthesis, and plant cell wall formation. His laboratory investigates how microtubule arrays organize to guide cellulose deposition and influence plant cell shape and tissue mechanics. His work has significant implications for understanding plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses.

Analysis of Dr. Wasteneys' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on microtubule-associated proteins (particularly CLASP), cellulose synthase complexes, and their roles in plant cell morphogenesis. His research spans from molecular mechanisms of protein function to whole-plant developmental processes, with particular attention to root development, cell wall biosynthesis, and plant responses to environmental cues. A notable trend in his recent work is the integration of advanced imaging techniques with genetic and molecular approaches to study dynamic cellular processes.

• Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Plant Cell Biology
• National Research Fellow (1988-91) Australian National University
• Humboldt Fellow (1992-1993) University of Heidelberg
• Queen Elizabeth II Fellow (1992-1998) Australian National University
• Fellow/Senior Fellow (1996-2004) Australian National University

Dr. Wasteneys actively mentors the next generation of plant scientists, currently supervising multiple PhD and MSc students in his laboratory. His research is supported by competitive grants including the Canada Research Chairs program. His laboratory provides training in advanced cell biological techniques, molecular genetics, and plant physiology, preparing students for diverse careers in academia and industry.

The Wasteneys Lab at UBC serves as a hub for plant cell biology research, bringing together students and researchers to investigate fundamental questions about plant cell organization and function. The lab utilizes cutting-edge microscopy, molecular genetics, and biochemical approaches to unravel the mechanisms that drive plant development.