About me
I am a plant scientist specialising in plant pathogens that impact horticultural and agricultural crops. I have a particular interest in the development of chemical-free methods of disease control and my team currently work on two different aspects related to this.
The first is the use of cold plasma, an ionised gas (we use air) that contains antimicrobial properties that reduce infection by pathogens, especially at the postharvest stage. We have trialled this on fruit and vegetables and also grain, with very interesting results and significant international interest.
We are also working on the manipulation of the crop microbiome, similar to the human gut microbiome this has an important role in the health of our crops, and promotes resilience to biological and environmental stresses.
My research is widely used in my teaching, where I coordinate our postgraduate degrees in Biosecurity and Food Security. I also teach undergraduates in the Paddock to Plate unit, the foundation for the Food Science and Nutrition degree.
It is my belief that we can reduce the amount of global food waste by improving disease control in the field and postharvest, thereby making more food available for more people.