Flora’s research focuses on aspects of root and soil biology in horticultural crop production. Her particular areas of interest include root and rhizosphere microbial interactions, adventitious rooting, and root traits associated with abiotic stress tolerance. Flora's current research topics include soil health, the influence of horticultural crops on the soil microbiome and soil carbon sequestration.
Laura is involved with the Intellectual Property side of the business, working closely with East Malling Services and the Malling varieties. Laura also supports the new and exciting Glasshouse and Facilities project which has been approved at the East Malling site. Laura joined NIAB EMR in September, with 12 years previous experience within the Berry Fruit industry.
Mark Coxeter supports NIAB EMR in his capacity as a private consultant, his primary focus is on intellectual property licensing matters relating to the commercialisation of berry fruits globally. With 30 years of work experience always within the horticultural/fresh produce industry and a wide network of relevant contacts in the berry industry, Mark works closely with the IP licensing arm of the business supporting East Malling Services Ltd.
With more that 15 years experience in the soft fruit industry, Alin has worked in all aspects; farming, fruit production and fruit packaging, research and agronomic trials and most recently agronomy.
Alin's qualifications include a BSc Agriculture, HND International Agriculture, BASIS and NRoSO.
Alin is very interested in sustainable agricultural practices, IPM, regenerative farming, and certified and ethical food production.
Technical support to the Crop Science and Production Systems Department and the Genetics, Genomics and Breeding Department at NIAB EMR for the installation, maintenance and monitoring of technologies needed to deliver precision irrigation and fertigation regimes in polytunnel, controlled environments and field experiments/trials.
Michelle specialises in the minimisation of pesticide use in fruit horticulture, improving pollination in fruit crops and incorporating modern fruit growing practices with Integrated Pest Management. The former includes research on improving pest monitoring by developing semiochemical manipulation of insects, optimising the use of biological control agents and enhancing and fostering local landscape ecology to provide the ecosystem service of pest control.
