UNBC professor to talk about genomics in an era of shifting ecological baselines

College of the Rockies is pleased to host Dezene Huber (pictured above), professor in the Ecosystem Science and Management program at University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), on Tuesday, March 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Lecture Theatre (Room 250).

Huber, an insect ecologist, studies forest insect pests and pathogens, and their interactions with their host trees. He has been examining various aspects of bark beetle ecology for more than 20 years, and for the past 10 years has been involved in mountain pine beetle genomics research, partly funded by Genome BC, Genome Alberta, and Genome Canada. More recently, his research group has been exploring insect biodiversity in the central interior using traditional methods along with DNA barcoding and environmental DNA.

At his March 12 presentation, which is free and open to the public, Huber will discuss two major issues in B.C. forests and woodlands: bark beetle infestations, and conserving our insect biodiversity. Both of these issues have been impacted by human activity including industrialization and climate change. Huber will discuss past and ongoing research into the mountain pine beetle infestation in B.C., and its movement into Alberta.

He will also talk about Genome BC-funded research into a growing spruce beetle infestation near Prince George.

Huber’s presentation is offered through a partnership between College of the Rockies and Genome BC. A catalyst for the life sciences cluster on Canada’s west coast, Genome BC manages a cumulative portfolio of over $625 million in research projects, and science and technology platforms.

Working with governments, academia and industry across such sectors as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, environment, bioenergy, mining and human health, the goal of the organization is to generate social and economic benefits for B.C. and Canada.

A moderated question and answer period will follow Huber’s presentation.

“We are excited to host Dr. Huber and Genome BC,” said Darrell Bethune, Dean of Business and University Studies at College of the Rockies. “Dr. Huber’s presentation on bark beetle infestations and insect biodiversity is timely and important. It will be a fascinating evening for science students and general audiences alike, and I encourage interested community members to attend.”

This Genome BC presentation is free but pre-registration is appreciated at: genomebc.ca/events

College of the Rockies

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