معرفی
Professor John Mackay holds the Wood Professorship of Forest Science at the University of Oxford and serves as Associate Head of Department (Research) and Chief Examiner (FHS). His research focuses on the genetics and molecular biology underpinning tree adaptability, forest health, and conifer genome evolution. Key areas include insect resistance mechanisms, wood formation genetics, and genomic tools for tree breeding.
Research Interests:
- Genetic basis of adaptation in forest trees
- Conifer genome evolution and structural variation
- Wood property genetics and genomic selection
- Pathogen interactions and fungal symbiosis
- Drought stress response mechanisms
Recent work emphasizes genomic exploration of species like Thuja plicata and Picea glauca, with studies on SNP diversity patterns and defense-related genes. Collaborations include projects on Phytophthora ramorum epidemiology and the functional genomics of conifer immune receptors.
Advising focuses on graduate students like Dr. Tin Hang (Henry) Hung (Croucher Fellow) and Ernest Ting Yu Wu (Leverhulme Trust scholar). His lab develops genomic tools for sustainable forestry practices and climate-resilient tree varieties. Contact: john.mackay@biology.ox.ac.uk
