Erik Carlson

I am a tree scientist with a focus on molecular biology techniques and biotechnology. I have worked with the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project at SUNY-ESF for five years and before that I worked in transgenic poplar research. I am a true believer in the potential positive impacts of biotechnology in the realm of species conservation and I see the American chestnut as one of the greatest examples. I would like to see this tree restored to the forest and to our towns and cities so we can once again revel in its beauty and its bounty. The consequences of its loss in the previous century were devastating not only to the Appalachian ecosystem but to the culture of Appalachia itself. My hope is that we can once again enjoy the shade of massive American chestnut trees in summer and enjoy delicious chestnuts during the winter holidays.

January 2022