ProfessorJulianne O'Reilly-Wapstra

Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra is a Professor in Forest Sciences and has conducted research since 2000 in native and production forest systems. Julianne’s research is cross-disciplinary to address local, national, and globally relevant questions. Her work bridges the fields of forest ecology, genetics, plant chemistry and wood quality to explore variation in tree traits and how these are influenced by ecological and evolutionary processes primarily in eucalypt and pine systems. With extensive experience in plant defences against browsing by mammalian herbivores, Julianne's research has had a strong focus on genetic-based variation in herbivory and plant secondary defences, the evolution of plant defences to herbivores, community and ecosystem genetics, and impacts of abiotic factors on plant resistance. More recently her research has branched into the socio-economic implications of forestry through collaborations with colleagues in Business and Economics, expanding her research enquiry across broader areas of forestry-based research. 

Julianne has extensive senior executive leadership experience having held numerous leadership positions both within and external to the University. Julianne is currently Dean, School of Natural Sciences and was previously Head of Biological Sciences, Inaugural Director of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, and Director of the ARC Training Centre for Forest Value. Julianne served on the Board of the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network (TFFPN) for six years and was Chair of the Board for two years. Julianne currently serves on the Board of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations.