Dr Katharina Merkel

Biography

Dr Katharina Merkel is a nationally and internationally recognised entomologist in the field of fruit fly ecology and management. She has contributed to applied research projects with a focus on fruit fly control programs.

Her research has led to the development of guidelines and recommendations to governments, which in turn resulted in substantial pest relief. From 2020 to 2022, she was the lead technical advisor to South Australia’s successful Medfly eradication program.

Through her engagement in national and state committees on fruit flies, e.g. Australian Fruit Fly Technical Advisory Subcommittee, National Fruit Fly Council and Fruit Fly Technical Committee, she has established strong relationships with peers and stakeholders. Her vision is to develop and pursue a research portfolio which will have a direct impact on biosecurity operations.

Research interests

• Optimisation of pest management practices using decision models and gamification
• The development of standardized protocols to assess existing and new tools for pest management and diagnostics
• R&D in improvement of sterile insect technique

Qualifications

• PhD, 2014, University of Bremen
• Diploma Biology 2007, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg

Research affiliations

• Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie University
• Affiliate Lecturer, The University of Adelaide

Professional affiliations

• Deputy Chair, Australian Fruit Fly Technical Advisory Subcommittee
• Member, Australian Entomological Society