Miles Mesa

Miles Mesa is a plant geneticist and Tree Improvement Manager at Weyerhaeuser, where they manage field-testing activities for the loblolly pine Tree Improvement Program across the Southeast United States. Miles conducts research on tree genetics, physiology, and silviculture, and performs quantitative genetic analyses to assist in selection and breeding strategies. Previously, they completed postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona focusing on the invasive agricultural pest plant yellow starthistle, and earned a PhD in Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where their work challenged existing theories on plant tolerance and resistance. Miles also holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Tyler.