Helen Roy is an ecologist with NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
based in the UK Biological Records Centre (BRC). She joined BRC in
April 2007 after 10 years of lecturing in ecology and entomology. In
2007 she was awarded the status of Reader in Ecology at Anglia Ruskin
University. Her role in BRC (www.brc.ac.uk) is to coordinate zoological
data and research. She has worked on ladybird ecology and behaviour
since 1994 particularly interactions with fungal pathogens. Since 2005
she took on the position of joint coordinator for the UK Ladybird
Survey (www.ladybird-survey.org)
and the Harlequin Ladybird Survey
(www.harlequin-survey.org).
Her current research interests focus on
insects (often ladybirds!) in two main areas:
invasive species
role of fungal pathogens in natural insect populations
Helen has attended a number of IOBC meetings and is looking forward to
more active involvement through the study group on "Benefits and Risks
of Exotic Biological Control Agents". This group will use Harmonia
axyridis as a model system. Helen has experience working with this
beetle and has enjoyed the opportunity of editting an edition of
BioControl dedicated specifically to H. axyridis. Helen is an active
member of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology where she has served in
a number of role but is currently the chair of the Membership Committee.