Meet a researcher

Hazel is a key researcher in an Australian Centre of International Agriculture Research project developing an integrated management response to the spread of Fusarium wilt of banana in Southeast Asia. Hazel seeks to determine how farm management practices change the microbiome of bananas and the susceptibility of bananas to Fusarium wilt. Hazel is also developing a soil health kit for use by overseas project-partners to assess the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils under different farm management practices. This kit will also be made available  to local growers, agricultural consultants and researchers for monitoring in-field soil health.

‘I am excited about the potential uses and benefits of our results for soil and plant health’, said Hazel. ‘I am motivated by the fact that our work could assist in ensuring a healthier Australian banana industry for the future.’

Outside of work Hazel enjoys tending to her veggie patch, walking on a treadmill while watching Netflix. Since moving to FNQ, she has been exploring the different islands along the Great Barrier Reef with her family.

Hazel’s favourite banana recipe is ‘Turon’ which is deep fried spring roll wrapped sliced Saba (a cooking banana originating from the Philippines) coated with brown sugar.