Assistant Professor
Biology
Abbotsford campus, T110
Phone: 604-504-7441 ext. 5362
email HarleyHarley Gordon is a plant biochemist with experience in small molecule analysis, biochemistry, and plant trait development. Harley has worked for universities and private companies as a scientist, where he helped develop new products and technologies.
PhD Forest Biology (University of Victoria)
MSc Plant Agriculture (University of Guelph)
BSc Biology (University of Victoria)
I regularly teach the following courses:
Biology 111 – Introductory Biology 1
Biology 201 – Cell Metabolism and Biochemistry
Biology 308 – Plant Physiology
Biology 408/409/499 – Directed Studies and Honours
I am a plant biochemist with a broad research interest in the small molecules plants produce.Research Projects:
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Adaptations:
We are working to understand how some Hemlock tree (Tsuga) species can resist heavy infestations of this insect, while other species experience significant mortality. We are using a combination of histology, sampling, and metabolomics to better understand the chemical ecology involved.
Sorbus Biochemistry:
Sorbus trees produce several commercially useful polyketides. Our group is working to understand their chemical ecology and biosynthesis using a combination of analytical chemistry, environmental sampling, and biotechnology.
Fungal and Bacterial Biochemistry:
Fungi and bacteria are the original sources for many important biomolecules (like antibiotics). Through targeted analysis of niche bioactivities, we are working to discover new metabolites with far reaching potential in agricultural, medicinal, and consumer products.Research Opportunities:
I regularly supervise undergraduate students on work-terms, directed studies, or honours projects related to plant chemistry, mushroom biology, and natural product development. Please send me an email if you’re interested and we can chat.
The following are a few recent publications from research projects I have been part of:
Board Member – Fraser Valley Conservancy