David is PHA’s Coordinator, Preparedness and RD&E, working in the Biosecurity Planning and Preparedness team.

In this role, David supports a range of preparedness and RD&E projects, including contingency planning for the honey bee industry, pest and pathway reviews, and work to support national diagnostic and surveillance capability across plant industries.

David brings more than 15 years’ experience in plant biosecurity, diagnostics and applied research across government, industry and academia.

Since joining PHA in 2024, David has worked in the Diagnostics Team, supporting national diagnostic and surveillance initiatives and contributing to a range of plant and bee biosecurity programs.

Before joining PHA, David held senior scientific and diagnostic roles with Agriculture Victoria and the Northern Territory Government. This included diagnostic and research activities focused on plant pests and diseases of biosecurity significance, as well as work on Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus following its detection in the Northern Territory.

David has a strong background in plant pathology and molecular diagnostics and holds a PhD from Deakin University. He has also contributed to the development and review of National Diagnostic Protocols.

David is based in Melbourne.