Associate Professor Caroline Hauxwell

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Chief Investigator

PhD (Imperial College, London), BA (University of Oxford)

Research Areas: Microorganisms in food production. Our group conducts original research in the biology, ecology and commercial use of microorganisms in agriculture. Current projects include:
  • Development, production and formulation of commercial biopesticides and inocula
  • The diversity and ecology of microbes in the insect and rhizospheric microbiome
  • Mathematical models of invertebrate pathogen dynamics
  • The application of pathogens in insecticide resistance management
We collaborate with commercial partners and agricultural industries to develop and use biopesticides and plant inocula in integrated pest management strategies. Recent work has had a significant impact in reducing the use of chemical insecticides in partnership with commercial companies, with international registration of new biopesticides and establishment of a successful new manufacturing company.

Additional information

Summary Project leader with 25 years’ experience in leading successful research in agriculture, tropical forestry & integrated pest management in Africa, Central America, S.E. Asia, the Caribbean and Pacific. Specialities - Team leadership, program & project management, facilitation, and planning. - Research & development in agriculture, tropical forestry & integrated pest management. - Development, use & registration of microbial biopesticides. Experience Associate Professor Queensland University of Technology 2011Present Research Areas: Sustainable food production and microbial ecology. The Invertebrate Microbiology group conducts original research in the biology, ecology and commercial applications of microorganisms in sustainable food production. Current projects include: - The diversity and ecology of microbes in the insect microbiome - Mathematical models of pathogen dynamics and their role in evolution - Development, production and formulation of new biopesticides for the grains industry (funded by GRDC) We collaborate with leading Australian and international researchers, and work with commercial partners and agricultural industries to develop and use biopesticides in integrated pest management strategies. Associate Professor Charles Sturt University 20102011 Research on pest management strategies and commercial development and registration of biopesticides. Principal Scientist Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries  19992010 Team leader in development of biopesticides and their integration into farming systems, resulting in registration and commercial production of three new baculovirus products, and proof of concept for fungal pathogens to control sucking pests (aphids, mirids, whitefly). I developed new adjuvants for microbial insecticides (registered in 2010). I led research on pathogens for control of diamondback moth, thrips, Rutherglen bug, pentatomids, mango and sweet potato weevils, and painted apple moth (a pest incursion in New Zealand). I advised on production and quality control systems for a new company producing microbial insecticides. I led strategic and project planning for government and researchers in Australia and Vietnam and developed and led the diagnostics program for the CRC for Plant Biosecurity. With the Queensland Government International Collaborations Unit I helped to develop a government funding program for collaborative research with India and China. Post-doctoral Researcher Edinburgh University  19961999 Led international research in pest management and silviculture in tropical hardwood plantations in Sri Lanka and developed guidelines for mahogany plantation establishment and management. Involved extended in-country work in Sri Lanka, for the UK Department of International Development (DFID, formerly ODA). Post-doctoral Researcher Oxford University 19941996 Led original research on pest management and silviculture in tropical hardwood plantations. Involved extensive work in Ghana, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Solomon Islands for the UK DFID. Scientific Officer Natural Environment Research Council 19891994 Conducted original research on risk assessment and pathology of genetically modified (GM) baculoviruses in insects under a European Union Framework project. Conducted original research on molecular and biological characterisation of baculoviruses and the host range and cross infection patterns of new viral isolates of insect pests. Research Assistant National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Leon 19881989 Conducted original research and extension on insect pathology and microbial control in integrated pest management in cotton and food crops, including identification of new microbial control agents. Consultant Entomologist Novo Industria/s March 1987December 1988 (1 year 10 months) Quality control for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Title
New technology for stored grain pest management
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
QUT00005
Start year
2012
Keywords
Biocontrol; Food-Security; Grains; Insecticide-Resistance; Microbiology
Title
A new biopesticide for Diamondback Moth management in canola
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
QUT00004
Start year
2012
Keywords
Biotechnology; Ecology; International; Modeling; Pests