Bioprotection
Dr Bethan Shaw
Team Leader, Temperate Fruit Crop Entomology
Kia ora koutou I have a BSc degree in wildlife conservation and zoo biology from the University of Salford, UK and a PhD in Entomology from the University of Southampton, UK. Prior to joining Plant & Food Research, I worked at East Malling Research (NIAB) for 10 years in applied entomology in horticulture. Much of my personal interests lies in wildlife conservation and enhancing biodiversity in both managed and unmanaged habitats. I enjoy interaction with growers and trying to develop solutions to problems they face. My PhD looked at exploiting the behavioural rhythms of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (SWD) to improve control approaches and I found the first female SWD in the UK in 2012. Due to this I am regarded as one of the leading researchers on SWD. I am currently the team leader of temperate fruit crop entomology in Hawke's Bay and I aim to continue establishing links with national and international industry members while tackling key issues surrounding bioprotection. The preservation and restoration of the unique ecosystems of Aotearoa will be paramount in my personal research aims, while also supporting growers in what has been a challenging industry within recent years.