Michelle Cleary is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Forest Pathology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences – one of the top universities in the world in the field of agricultural and forestry science. Over the past 20 years, Michelle has worked in forest pathology and has researched a wide range of pathogens affecting forest trees in plantations and natural forest ecosystems in Canada and Europe. Michelle and her team are working towards a better understanding of the biochemical- and genetic-based interactions of indigenous and alien invasive pathogens with their host trees and the environment, which is critical to maintaining healthy, sustainable, and resilient forests in a changing world.



A main focus of her current work focuses on understanding molecular and chemical mechanisms of tree resistance in European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to invasive threats including the ascomycete fungus (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) and the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). In her research line she and her group are also exploring a range of innovative research and diagnostic methods that can aid in early detection and monitoring of damaging agents to improve forest biosecurity and operational management practices. She has trained 16 Ph.D. and Masters students and 8 postdocs, and has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers. Previously, Michelle worked for the provincial government of British Columbia as a Regional Forest Pathologist in western Canada. She completed a Ph.D. in Forestry from the University of British Columbia in Canada.