Kerry Walsh

Background

About Kerry Walsh

Plant physiologist by training, but with a bent towards practical outcomes, method and instrumentation development. In early career I led a team that characterized papaya dieback in Australia and developed management protocols. In mid career I led another team that achieved commercial deployment of in-line (with CVS/MAF) and handheld (with Felix Instruments) near infrared spectroscopic equipment for fruit quality assessment, with improvements continuing to present. In late career, I lead a team implementing a number of technologies relating to assessment of orchard fruit load and harvest timing.and now, mechanical harvesting. For my sins I have also held a range of managerial/administrative roles within the University, from Associate Dean of Research acting to nudge research directions and shepherd the postgraduate flock, to Research Institute Director, acting to optimise resource use to support research. Specialties: near infrared spectroscopy, plant physiology, commercialisation, post graduate training, ag-tech implementation