Janice Cooke

Janice Cooke is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying forest tree responses to biotic and abiotic stressors, including pest/pathogen interactions and seasonal physiological processes. She leads the Cooke Lab, which collaborates on large-scale genomics projects and investigates conifer defense mechanisms, dormancy regulation, and ecological genetics.

Education: BSc (Honours, Co-op) from University of Victoria; PhD from University of Alberta; postdoctoral research at University of Florida and Université Laval. Professional roles include Editor-in-Chief of Tree Physiology and Deputy Coordinator for IUFRO Division 2.

Research interests include molecular responses to environmental cues, quantitative resistance in pines, and white spruce bud dormancy. Notable projects address mountain pine beetle-fungal symbiont interactions, spruce budworm herbivory, and nitrogen dynamics in conifers.

Awards: CD Nelson Award (2021), McCalla Professorship (2020), Killam Annual Professorship (2019). Teaches courses like BOT 205 (Plant Biology), BOT 445/545 (Molecular Plant Physiology), and BOT 600 (Plant Biology Seminar).

Labs/Teams: Cooke Lab (focus on tree genomics and stress responses). Current projects explore genetic and environmental factors influencing tree defense mechanisms and phenological adaptation.