DoctorSteve Pawson

I am active in the areas of Forest entomology, invasive species, biosecurity, biodiversity and ecosystem processes, using new technologies for active surveillance that informs incursion response and eradication.

My research has resulted in awards for new mobile electrophysiology equipment. I have developed new insect tracking (Harmonic Radar, Active transmitter, and retroreflective) methods for forest insects in collaboration with University of Canterbury College of Engineering. My interests include the ecological impacts of artificial light and forest management on invertebrates.

I am involved in citizen science and participatory networks, and have completed a Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and Curious Minds contestable projects to deliver Find-A-Pest a new mobile app for general surveillance reporting (Findapest.nz).

My interest and expertise extends to phytosanitary treatments (including heating, irradiation, ecological risk assessment and systems approaches) for biosecurity and market access. I apply Bayesian networks to ecological problems.