Valerie Hipkins
Director, National Forest Genetics Eletrophoresis Laboratory
Valerie Hipkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Humboldt State University, a Master of Science in Forest Science (tree physiology) and Ph.D. in Genetics and Forestry from Oregon State University. She joined the U.S. Forest Service in 1993, and is the Director of the National Forest Genetics Electrophoresis Laboratory located at the Institute of Forest Genetics in Placerville. The laboratory provides genetic testing and information for integrated solutions to on-the-ground problems faced by natural resource managers and policy makers. Information about genetics helps assess past, current and future biological changes, and provides implications for management options in the future.
The Institute of Forest Genetics was originally founded in 1925 by James G. Eddy and has been operated by the Pa-cific Southwest Research Station, U.S. Forest Service since 1935. It serves as the premier location for research in the ar-eas of forestry and biology. The Institute was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
