Trevor Walker

Trevor Walker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University's College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on forest genetics, tree breeding, and biotechnology applications for improving commercial forestry outcomes.

Research Interests:

• Utilizing hyperspectral imaging and machine learning for high-throughput phenotyping of disease resistance in loblolly pine
• Investigating genetic parameters for growth, wood quality, and climate resilience in Pinus taeda populations
• Developing cost-effective genotyping methods for pedigree quality control in tree breeding programs
• Optimizing silvicultural practices through comparative analysis of planting stock and thinning regimes

Publications Trends: Dr. Walker's recent work emphasizes advanced phenotyping techniques, genetic gain estimation, and adaptive forestry. His research spans from foundational genetic studies to applied technologies for disease resistance and wood quality optimization.

Grant Support: Currently leads the Loblolly Pine Biomass Genetics/Cropping Study (2019-2024), funded by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services with $127,993. This project evaluates genetic families and thinning regimes to maximize biomass and sawtimber returns.

Laboratory Focus: Works with large-scale progeny test trials and clonal populations to advance genomic selection methods. His group explores innovative applications of imaging technology and statistical modeling in forest genetics.