RESEARCH
Impacts of elevated CO₂ on mycorrhizal fungal communities
Global atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are predicted to continue to increase. This research investigates the impacts on mycorrhizal fungal communities, on the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and the consequences for plant growth and nutrient uptake.
MEDIA
Mycorrhizal-mediated plant-herbivore interactions
In addition to impacting the nutrient status of their host plant(s), AM fungi can impact plant physiology and defence chemistry. The outcome of the AM symbiosis for plants and insect herbivores is highly variable and context dependent, while the mechanisms underpinning these responses are not clear. The main focus of this research is to understand these interactions, the variability across different environments, and the mediating mechanisms.
Impacts of silicon on plant defences against insect herbivores
How different plant traits determine plant-herbivore interactions has been a focus for researchers for many years. This research investigates how soil silicon availability impacts plant nutrient uptake, secondary metabolites and the effects on insect herbivores.
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION
[2022 - present] ARC DECRA Fellow, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW
[2019 - 2022] Lecturer (Environment and Sustainability), University of Southern Queensland, QLD
[2017 - 2019] Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University, NSW
[2012- 2017] PhD Ecology, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, NSW
[2006-2011] BSc (Hons) Behavioural Biology, University of St Andrews, Scotland
OTHER ROLES
2021 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Awardee
Associate Editor for Functional Ecology
Subject Editor for
Soil Biology & Biochemistry
Editorial board member for Pedobiologia (Journal of Soil Ecology)
Plant-Soil Ecology research chapter of Ecological Society of Australia
CONTACT ME
Building M14, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond NSW
