Louise Barwell

Dr Louise Barwell’s research aims to understand insect populations and plant pathogens using statistical modelling of spatial data at regional to global scales. Her interests are in the application of comparative trait-based and phylogenetic approaches to understand how ecological traits and socio-environmental factors interact to drive biological invasions. From 2016 to 2020, Louise was a post-doctoral researcher on the THAPBI Phyto-threats project, where she applied cross-species models in the context of horizon scanning and risk assessment to predict future global threats to the UK from Phytophthora.

Louise has actively engaged with UK stakeholders in the forestry and nursery sectors and plant health policy to understand how these data and models could be translated into web-based tools adapted for end-users. She is now developing phylogenetic comparative models of plant pests and pathogens’ potential host ranges and introduction through trade pathways, for projects funded under the TREESCAPES (NewLEAF) and Future-Proofing Plant Health programmes. A project funded by Scotland's Plant Health Centre will co-develop model outputs with cross-sectoral stakeholders to support Phytophthora preparedness in Scotland.