Matthew A. Jenks

Matthew A. Jenks is a Professor and Bud Antle Endowed Chair for Excellence at the University of Arizona's Department of Biochemistry & Physiology Environmental & Stress Biology. His research focuses on plant adaptation mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly through the plant cuticle. Jenks' work integrates biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to understand cuticular wax and cutin biosynthesis, with applications in improving crop resilience and industrial product yields. He holds a BS from Michigan State University, an MS from the University of Florida, and a PhD from Purdue University in Horticultural Science.

Research interests include the molecular regulation of cuticular lipids, drought stress responses, and industrial metabolites like stevioside. His studies span diverse species such as Arabidopsis, cotton, lettuce, and extremophytes. Key findings link wax composition to pathogen resistance and water retention. Recent work explores diurnal regulation of wax synthesis and genetic pathways in stress tolerance.

Publications span over two decades, highlighting advancements in understanding cuticle-related genes (e.g., CER3, SPL9, AAE9) and their roles in plant survival. While currently not accepting new students/postdocs, his lab has contributed to breeding programs for stress-resistant crops and industrial applications of plant-derived compounds.