Professor Mark A. Bernards, Department of Biology, Western University, leads research on plant secondary metabolism, phytochemicals, molecular biology, biochemical analysis, and analytical chemistry. His work examines how plants use small molecules to interact with other organisms and defend themselves against wounding, pathogens, and environmental stress. His research mission is to explain the chemical basis of plant resilience by linking molecular mechanisms to ecological function. He also supports teaching and graduate supervision through the Bernards Lab and contributes to Western University’s physiology and biochemistry research strength.