John Dearnaley

John Dearnaley is Associate Professor and Head of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science at the University of Southern Queensland. His research specializes in plant-microbe interactions, particularly mycorrhizal symbioses in Australian orchids and medicinal plants, fungal taxonomy, and antimicrobial properties of endophytes.

Research investigates fungal diversity in dry rainforest ecosystems, bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi, and conservation applications. Current projects include fungicide resistance in crop pathogens and ecological restoration using native fungi.

Teaches courses in Australian biota, plant-microbe interactions, and medical microbiology. Supervises doctoral candidates studying symbiotic fungi, disease resistance, and rainforest ecology.