I am currently a Research Scientist in the Science Division of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. In this role I work mainly in Sustainable Forest Management as a Forest Entomologist. My work involves studying insects of relevance (both of economic and ecological importance) mainly to the Jarrah and Karri forests in the south west of Western Australia plus advisory work in relation to pine and eucalypt plantations.
My specialties include insect/host plant interrelations, rural tree decline, and forest insect biodiversity.
Faculty of Agricultural Science, Adelaide University . Awarded BAgSc 1979.
Faculty of Agricultural Science, Adelaide University (Waite Agricultural Research Institute). Awarded BAgSc (Hons) 1980.
Faculty of Agricultural Science, Adelaide University (Waite Agricultural Research Institute). Awarded PhD 1986.
1987 Research Associate, Tsukuba Forestry and Forests Products Institute, Tsukuba, Japan with Dr T. Ikeda.
1988 - current Research Scientist, Department of Conservation and Land Management Western Australia
(i) Honours thesis: "The amino acid nutrition of Uraba lugens Walk. on artificial diets."
(ii) PhD thesis: "The performance of Uraba lugens Walk. in relation to nitrogen and phenolics in its food." The food plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis was analysed for total free amino acids, total digestible nitrogen and total phenols. This was used to test the hypothesis that water stress increased survival of first instars leading to population outbreak due to increased nitrogen in the food plant.
(iii) Research associate, Tsukuba, Japan Extraction and bioassay of kairomones present in Shiitake mushroom which attracts a number of pest species.
(iv) Research Scientist, Department of Conservation and Land Management
Since 1988 my research has been in the following areas: Investigation into the outbreak of Cardiaspina jerramungae on remnant flat-topped yate in the Lower great Southern of Western Australia.
Investigation into the outbreak of gum leaf skeletonizer (Uraba lugens) on jarrah in the southern jarrah forest.
Study of the ecology of bulls eye borer in Karri.
