Ciara Beard Email & Phone Number

I am an experienced plant pathologist based in the Geraldton Port Zone. My current role involves conducting research in the field and laboratory to improve our understanding of how disease constraints effect the yield and quality of broad acre crops such as wheat, barley, lupins and canola. I am involved in testing and developing integrated disease management strategies, disease surveillance, and am also responsible for extending this information through trial reports, newsletters, online publications, field days, crop updates and other avenues to benefit the WA grains industry. I am skilled in project management, organising and directing a team to meet project objectives, writing applications and reports for funding bodies.I am a respected researcher and source of plant pathology information in the Geraldton Port Zone, within the state and across Australia. Since joining DPIRD (formerly DAFWA) in 2001, I have honed skills in: designing and implementing field and laboratory experiments; diagnosing disease problems in cereals, canola and lupins; analysing and interpreting research data; giving advice and presenting research results to growers and consultants on effective use of fungicides and other strategies to manage disease; development of web content and online extension of research results; managing projects and staff and reporting to external funding bodies. I am passionate about making technical information available to the public in a variety of different forms to suit scientists, growers, consultants, funding bodies or the person on the street.