Environmental stress, both abiotic and biotic, is the major factor limiting plant survival, growth, and croyield worldwide. To address this, Dr. Jenks’ research seeks to elucidate the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying plant adaptability to environmental stress, especially that associated with water deficit and pathogens. The main focus of this work is elucidation of the molecular-genetic and physico-chemical determinants of the plant cuticle’s function as both a constitutive and inducible adaptation to stressful environments. Dr. Jenks research is ultimately use-inspired, with a future goal to solve problems associated with environmental stress and its impacts on croproduction and ecological adaptation.