Lauren Chappell is one of our ’40 Faces of Plant Pathology’
BSPP members can be found in 51 different countries, with 30% of members based in countries outside of the UK. As part of the BSPPs 40th anniversary, we asked our membership to describe some things about themselves, what plant pathology challenges they would most like to see solved, and what could improve the world of plant pathology in terms of inclusivity. Click here to return to the 40 Faces Home Page.
Lauren Chappell
Institution and country of residence
University of Warwick, UK
Position title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Area of expertise/study
My current research focuses on a range of pests and pathogens that cause significant yield losses to the UK’s major vegetable crops. I work closely with growers and breeding companies to understand the biology of the pathogens and use plant genetic resources to breed for sustainable resistance.
About your early experiences in education
I was always interested in science, but it wasn’t until University that I discovered plant pathology – I haven’t looked back!
If you could solve one problem in plant pathology, what would it be?
Understand how pathogens colonise seed, and work with seed producers to reduce seed-borne crop losses.
If you could solve one issue relating to inclusivity and diversity within the field of plant pathology what would it be?
EEDI problem to be solved: Equal access to plant pathology education, engage young children from diverse backgrounds and ensure the resources are available for them to access continued learning.
If you weren’t a plant pathologist, what would you be?
Explorer, or alpaca farmer!
