Dr Morin is a research scientist at CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Canberra, Australia. Her research focus is on the development and implementation of classical biological control programmes for weeds, particularly those affecting natural ecosystems, using exotic fungal pathogens. She was Task Leader overseeing biological control projects in the former Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management, and currently leads the Invasion Ecology Group in CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Australia. 

Dr Morin's research portfolio on pathogens of weeds incorporates molecular approaches to answering science questions, and also considers the broader ecological impact of her research. She has made original contributions to science and influenced the discipline of biocontrol while still delivering on several externally-funded projects with major components of technology transfer and community involvement. Her work on the rust fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli has been pivotal to the success of the biocontrol programme for the weed bridal creeper, delivering major environmental benefits to Australia. 

Dr Morin's postgraduate studies combined plant pathology and weed science to develop plant pathogens as biological control agents for weeds, following both the classical and inundative (bioherbicide) approaches. Since then she has continued to be actively involved in this field and has worked with a wide range of fungal pathogens and weeds, in different countries (Canada, New Zealand and Australia). Her research prior to moving to Australia principally focused on the development of fungal pathogens as bioherbicides; a field of research that she put aside due to the major constraints encountered. She has an MSc from McGill University, Canada and a PhD from the University of New England, Australia. She has published 32 refereed scientific journal papers, 12 book chapters and 15 refereed conference papers.

Back to list