Future Forest Leaders Start Here

Why Students Shouldn’t Miss CFGA’s Forest Genetics 2025 in Ottawa

Hi! My name is Eden, and I’m a forestry student at Lakehead University heading into my third year. This summer, I’m working with the FGCA and Somerville Seedlings, and I wanted to share something I think is really important for students like me: getting involved in events happening in your field. That could be as simple as reading a blog like this one or going to conferences where you can meet people, learn new things, and start building your network.

One great opportunity coming up is the Canadian Forest Genetics Association (CFGA) biennial conference, Forest Genetics 2025, happening this August in Ottawa. According to the conference website, the event is designed to “bring together researchers and practitioners to explore the role of forest genetics in climate change adaptation, diversity, conservation, and adaptive management strategies.”

That’s a pretty exciting lineup and a huge learning opportunity for students. You’ll get to hear from experts working on the front lines of forest genetics and maybe even meet someone who could help you find your next summer job or research project.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the speakers:

Dr. Patrick Lenz – A research scientist at the Laurentian Forest Center, currently focusing on forest genomics breeding tools. Dr. Lenz has made impactful contributions to several Genome Canada funded projects and is currently co-leading the team for the FastTRAC II project. This project is focused on genomic prediction for red and black spruce breeding programs (read more about the project here).

Dr. Barb Thomas – Started with the University of Alberta in 2014, with a Forest Industrial Research Chair (IRC) in Tree Improvement. Dr. Thomas led a large-scale research project from 2016-2021 named Resilient Forests (RES-FOR): Climate, Pests and Policy, Genomic Application. Read more here. Her most recent project involves creating a database for Alberta’s lodgepole pine and white spruce breeding programs.

Dr. Richard Sniezko – A Center Geneticist at the USDA Forest Service’s Dorena Genetic Resource Center (DGRC). Dr. Sniezko’s work mainly focuses on tree population development in relation to genetic resistance to non-native species and pests. Recently, he has provided guidance on a project to develop resistance to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Hawaii as well as gene conservation projects focused on protecting western species of ash that are threatened by emerald ash borer. Dr. Sniezko has also worked at the Zimbabwe Forest Research Center. 

Dr. Igor Yakovlev – A professor and senior research scientist at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research. Dr. Yakovlev works in the Department of Molecular Plant Biology where his research looks at the molecular mechanisms involved in epigenetic memory formation for Norway spruce and strawberry, as well as analyzing plant–microbe interactions.

In addition to the keynote speakers, there will be shorter presentations by other researchers throughout the conference. Whether you’re interested in tree improvement, climate change, pest resistance, or genomics, there will be lots to learn.

If you’re even a little curious about forest genetics, I encourage you to check it out. The CFGA conference runs from August 11–15 in Ottawa. Another perk of attending as a student is that the price is lower. You can register for the conference until July 7 using this link.

We hope to see you there!

References: https://sites.google.com/fgca.net/forest-genetics-2025/home