Indroducing our newest staff member – Dr Jules Freeman!
Introducing our newest staff member – Dr Jules Freeman!
Jules is the new Recovery Action Coordinator for Plant Conservation Australia’s Myrtle Rust program and is leading the development of a draft resistance breeding strategy for Myrtle Rust-impacted species.
Jules is a research scientist specialising in plant genetics, with expertise spanning genomics, quantitative genetics and the genetic basis of trait variation in native and production forests. Over more than two decades, he has undertaken research across Australia and New Zealand, ranging from fundamental genetics to breeding approaches for forest and native tree species.
Since 2012, Jules has contributed to research on Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii), investigating the genetic basis of host resistance and assessing resistance breeding options for threatened and ecologically important Myrtaceae. He has collaborated with government agencies, research organisations and other partners on initiatives spanning conservation, biosecurity and forest health.
At Plant Conservation Australia, Jules will work with government agencies, researchers, botanic gardens and conservation partners to support coordinated recovery efforts for Myrtle Rust-affected species.
For those attending APCC15, Jules will be presenting on Tuesday afternoon with a talk titled: “From genetic variation to resistance breeding: lessons from myrtle rust in Australia and New Zealand”.
