David Berryman

I started as the Research and Development Officer for the SABC in 1994 and was involved in supporting the introduction of molecular biology techniques and DNA analysis software into routine use at Murdoch University. During this time I conducted research into molecular plant disease diagnostics and developed and ran fee paying introductory courses for academic and industry researchers in molecular biology and related research areas. In 2003 I moved to SABC Laboratory Manager and continued with research into plant and animal disease diagnostics, including the development and implementation of commercial Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Lupin Anthracnose disease tests. I was the WA representative on the Australian National Genomic Information Service (ANGIS) for 2 years and a long serving member of the University Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation Safety Committee, and Chemical Safety committee. I was also the University Laser safety officer for several years. With colleagues in the SABC I was involved in the development of MALDI TOF mass spectrometry as a tool for grain variety identification and the commercial implementation of this technology as a high throughput variety and purity test for WA grain exports. In 2022 I became Senior Laboratory Manager of Enabling Technologies with responsibility for overall management of specialist science research infrastructure and equipment at Murdoch University, establishing procedures to fully utilise high value research equipment and implementing a pay for use structure for select high value research equipment. Responsibility for Enabling Technologies was devolved to Schools in 2023 and I continued as Senior Laboratory Manager for the SABC. In this role I am responsible for all SABC laboratory and greenhouse facilities, and support and assist researchers as required. This includes ensuring that researchers comply with relevant PC2 and BC2 regulations. Since 2021 I have been involved in agricultural robotics and am an inaugural participant in the Murdoch University Ag Tech group. I currently conduct applied research into the use of low-cost commercial robotic systems into the university research environment with a focus on simple field robotics platforms and robotics for greenhouse automation. I am involved in teaching robotics skills including the development and presentation of hands-on robot building and operation activities in HOR104 (Murdoch Roboteers), ANS311 (Advanced Agricultural Technologies) and ANS100 (Introduction to Agricultural Sciences). I am a core member of WA Agricultural Automation Games (WAAAG) committee along with colleagues from DPIRD and Curtin University. In this role I represent the SABC and Murdoch University in the organisation and presentation of the WA Robotics Playoffs (WARP) - a local off-season high school robotics skills development event based on the worldwide First Robotics Competition (FRC) program. In support of DPIRD and SABC primary industries career development initiatives I present robotics demonstrations, workshops and other activations at WAAAG events such as the Dowerin Machinery Field Day, Perth Royal Agricultural Show, Brunswick Agricultural Show, and Nannup South West Food Bowl events.