As an ecologist, I am interested in the ecosystems we live in, the interactions between all the organisms in those systems, including humans, and the way ecosystems function. I am particularly interested in the interactions between invertebrates (e.g., predation and parasitism of insects by other insects), and the functions of invertebrates in ecosystems, including pest suppression, decomposition, and pollination. Much of my research involves invertebrate biodiversity surveys in productive and natural systems and investigating invertebrate ,contributions in productive landscapes. Recently the team has started to investigate the ability of insects to bioconvert organic and inorganic waste into safe products for pet food, aquafeeds, or soil amendments. Different species are able to feed on different substrates, and finding these relationships will help to reduce the need for large landfills and make our production practices more sustainable. I also have a long-standing interest in improving the risk assessment of biological control agents before they are released in New Zealand and have been involved in Better Border Biosecurity projects in this area for many years. Biocontrol is an important tool for controlling invasive species, but needs to be done in a way that restores ecosystems rather than causing more problems.

• Orcid profile

  Research history and publications