Mike has over 40 years of experience in tree breeding and related forest tree and plant research, initially as a scientist and then R&D manager at the NZ Forest Research Institute, and subsequently as owner and manager in a clonal forestry business (Forest Genetics), and a provider of breeding software (Gemnetics).

Mike has completed reviews and consultancies for a large number of R&D organisations and forest companies involved with tree breeding.

He holds a BSc (Hon, 1st Class) in Forestry from University of Canterbury and a PhD in Forest Genetics from North Carolina State University. He has published over 100 scientific papers.

Mike contributed to the development of Gemnetics from its inception, and will continue to play a role in supporting its business and technical development. He will also support AbacusBio in a range of projects involving plant and tree breeding, as well as other forestry projects.