Richard Sniezko PhD

Dr Sniezko has been Center Geneticist at the USDA Forest Service’s Dorena Genetic Resource Center (DGRC) in Oregon since 1991. His work focuses on development of populations of trees with genetic resistance to non-native forest tree diseases & pests for restoration and reforestation, as well as genetic variation and gene conservation. Several of these are recognized internationally as world leadering programs in resistance. He has worked extensively with white pine blister rust caused by Cronartium ribicola, Port-Orford-cedar root disease (pathogen Phytophthora lateralis) and koa wilt (pathogen Fusarium oxysporum). 

Some additional recent activities include providing guidance on the project to develop resistance to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Hawaii, some genetic/gene conservation related projects with western species of ash (threatened by emerald ash borer) and setting up a new ‘sentinel’ project to help evaluate potential future pathogen and pest threats to U.S. tree species.  

Dr. Sniezko completed his B.S. degree at Humboldt State University (1977) and his PhD at North Carolina State University (1984); prior to DGRC he worked at Oregon State University and at the Zimbabwe Forest Research Centre.