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

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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July 8, 2025

National Forest Genetics Groups Meet at Penn State for Bi-annual Conference

Leading North American forest genetics researchers, professionals, and students joined together at Penn State for Forest Genetics 2025, where they shared ideas and made connections to enhance research dedicated to preserving forests.

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July 8, 2025

Huck Announces 2025-26 Leadership Fellows

Faculty members Jill Hamilton, Wenrui Hao, and Gustavo Nader have been named the 2025-26 Huck Leadership Fellows. As fellows, they will take part in a yearlong, high-level professional development program.

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June 3, 2025

Isolated Torrey Pine Populations Yield Insights into Genetic Diversity

Entire regions of trees are disappearing because of invasive pests, disease and a changing climate. The key to their ability to adapt to varied growing conditions and, ultimately, their survival, may reside in the complex genetic makeup of replacement trees, according to forest geneticists tasked with reintroducing tree species. A study of one of the rarest pine trees in the world, Torrey pine, conducted by a team including Penn State scientists, has yielded what the researchers called valuable insight into the value of genetic diversity and the importance of ensuring locally adapted diversity is maintained for restoration. They published their findings in Evolutionary Applications.

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