Dr. Thomas Bureau

Biography

Thomas E Bureau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at McGill University. His research focuses on Molecular and Cellular Developmental Biology, as well as Conservation, Ecology, and Evolution. Bureau has a keen interest in molecular evolution, particularly the study of genes and genomes, with a special emphasis on the role of mobile elements in evolution. His work explores transposition mechanisms of novel mobile elements, including miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs), and how these elements shape the genome. Bureau employs genomics-based approaches to understand genome evolution and the role of retroelements in cellular gene transduction and retroviruses. His current research investigates the significant role of transposons in eukaryotic genomes and their interaction with host evolution. Bureau's recent projects also focus on non-coding RNAs as targets for breeding agricultural trait improvements, particularly in response to climate change and environmental stress. He supervises master's students in molecular biology and bioinformatics, integrating functional genomics, bioinformatics, and phenomics to develop climate-change-resilient plants. Bureau's work emphasizes the importance of addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate factors through advanced plant breeding techniques and technology.

Research Interests