About our Lab

Our research focuses on:

How the environment affects physiological processes in trees, and in turn, ecosystem functions;
How trees acquire and use resources from the air and soil;
How trees cope with biotic and abiotic stresses; and
Factors that control forest productivity and carbon sequestration.

Many of our research projects involve a combination of field and laboratory studies. We have a well-equipped eco-physiological laboratory, as well as growth chambers and greenhouses, and many different hardwood and coniferous forests from the mountains to the coast where we do our research.

Interested in joining our lab?

We welcome students who are interested in tree eco-physiology. During the MS and PhD programs, students are expected to formulate a research idea, write a proposal, complete a research project and submit their findings to a peer-reviewed journal. Project development is generally done in an iterative process involving discussions of current research concepts and ideas with Bob Teskey and others in the lab. We think it is very important that everyone has a research project that they feel is worthwhile, interesting and that will make a contribution to science. Every effort is made to accommodate a student’s interests and encourage their ideas. Students who are interested in teaching careers, or want more experience in teaching, can have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate instruction.

Graduating MS and PhD students usually go on to research and/or education careers in academia, or research careers in government research organizations. After graduating, individuals completing a PhD may accept a post-doc or go directly into a permanent position. Typically, MS graduates are employed in a research lab or go on for a PhD.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Bob Teskey.