Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics
The Louis W. Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics at Penn State engages in Conservation Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology research and training focused on species restoration and forest ecosystem sustainability. The Schatz Center endowments established through the generosity and foresight of Dr. L. W. Schatz support post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, undergraduate, and graduate students, a biennial colloquium on tree genetics topics, infrastructure, and a wide array of research initiatives.
Latest News
October 20, 2026
Jill Hamilton named Associate Director of the Plant Institute
Jill Hamilton, associate professor of ecosystem science and management, Joseph E. Ibberson Chair in Silviculture Research for Pennsylvania, and director of the Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics, has been named associate director of the Penn State Plant Institute, part of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.
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September 6, 2026
Adaptation and a 'Noah's Ark for Trees' Offer Hope for Endangered Black Ash
Excited to share a new paper from PhD Candidate, Kyra LoPiccolo published recently in Annals of Botany using ex situ collections to examine seed morphology and early-growth phenotypes for black ash populations sourced from across the species' range. This work represents a wonderful cross-border collaboration that is laying the foundations for ash restoration and represents a critical resource to disentangle the important role of genetics, environment and their interactions to ash health and persistence. Stay tuned for more from this project as we are only at the beginning of this exciting work!
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December 21, 2025
Genetic Teamwork may be Key to Climate-Resilient Trees
New study suggests that following hybridization, when plant genomes work together, trees perform better under climate stress
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July 28, 2025
Huck Students Impress at Forest Genetics Conference
Penn State graduate students took the Forest Genetics 2025 conference by storm, winning more than half of the poster and presentation awards available. Three Huck trainees were among those recognized.
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Contact Us
- Associate Professor & Director, Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics
- Email jvh6349@psu.edu
