Chuck Cannon

Dr. Chuck CANNON’s work focuses broadly on the ecology and evolution of Southeast Asian trees and forests. Over the past three decades, he has conducted multidisciplinary research in the region, integrating theory, biogeography, genomics, remote sensing, modeling, and long-term forest monitoring to understand how tropical trees diversify, function, and respond to environmental change. An underlying theme has been the development and application of advanced technologies, innovative theoretical and analytical approaches to translate complex natural patterns and processes into actionable conservation insights.
He has held academic and research leadership positions in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia, including roles at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and the Singapore Botanic Garden. Most recently, he has returned to XTBG as Director of the newly created Applied Research Center for Tropical Plant Conservation, where comprehensive, technology-enabled strategies will support long-term tropical plant diversity conservation and restoration.