About me
Professor Biochemistry and Nutrition
I am an experienced veterinarian, livestock research scientist and educator committed to advancing agricultural and veterinary science.
My teaching and research role at Murdoch University is broadly focused on the impacts of disease on animal health and production.
My work focusses on improving the profitability and sustainability of livestock production by partnering with farmers and stakeholders to address complex challenges. As a passionate advocate for on-farm research, I work to translate scientific innovation into practical solutions that benefit farmers, their livestock, consumers and the broader community.
Background
I am a Murdoch University graduate in veterinary science, and worked in private veterinary practices in Western Australia and United Kingdom before returning to Murdoch University to focus on livestock disease and production research.
Research
My team delivers applied animal health and livestock production research. Our cross-disciplinary approach integrates parasitology, microbiology, pathology, epidemiology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction biology and agricultural economics.
Our approach is centred around respect and deep understanding of the farming enterprises and industries that we serve. We take a farming systems approach in our research, collaborating with leading farming enterprises and industry partners to tackle complex problems. This approach ensures our research is impactful, and recommendations can be applied in the paddock.
Partnerships
Our industry and government partnerships drive innovation in my research.
These extensive research and industry collaborations also proudly informs our teaching and curriculum in the School of Agricultural Sciences.
We co-design and co-deliver content with our industry and government partners to ensure our teaching is impactful, innovative and delivering graduates with knowledge and skills to succeed in their profession.
Teaching
I teach units focussed on animal nutrition, animal health, livestock production and agricultural workplace skills to veterinary and agricultural science students.
I supervise honours and post-graduate research students (masters and doctoral).
Leadership
I am the inaugural Head (Dean) of the School of Agricultural Science working with a brilliant team of academics delivering courses in Animal Health, Animal Science, Crop and Pasture Science, Biosecurity, and Food Security, plus supervision of Higher Degree by Research students (PhD, MPhil). The School of Agricultural Sciences is research intensive, with close links to affiliated research centres and institutes.
I am Academic Chair for Animal Health.
I represent Murdoch University on the Western Australian Livestock Research Council, and am an elected member of the Committee of Management.
I am a member (ministerial appointment) of the Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee.