معرفی
Katherine Steele is a Reader in Sustainable Crop Production at the School of Environment and Natural Sciences, Bangor University. She holds a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from the University of Nottingham (1998) and has been a key figure in sustainable crop research, particularly in rice and tomato breeding. She currently serves as Director of Impact & Engagement in her school and is actively involved in multiple research committees and external advisory panels.
Her educational background includes a BSc in Biology (University of Nottingham, 1993), an MSc in Applied Genetics (University of Birmingham, 1994), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (2006).
Dr. Steele’s research focuses on using genetics and genomics to improve global food security. Her work emphasizes crop genetics—especially in rice, barley, tomato, and potato—with a strong focus on abiotic and biotic stress resistance. She applies quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, marker-assisted selection, and participatory breeding methods to develop resilient, high-yielding crop varieties. Her projects often involve collaboration with industry, breeders, and international partners to ensure real-world impact.
The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trend in molecular breeding, particularly using KASP markers for rice variety authentication, stress resistance, and yield improvement. Her work spans diverse areas including food authenticity, climate change adaptation in crops, and sustainable agricultural systems.
- Member, SENS Management Committee
- Member, SENS Research Committee
- Member, CoSE Impact Committee
- Member, Henfaes Research Centre Committee
- Member, LEAF Marque Standard Plant Health & Protection Working Group (2023–2024)
- Member, Welsh Agricultural Science Panel (2023)
- Member, Wales Plant Health Evidence and Advisory Group (2023)
- Member, International Association for Cereal Science and Technology: Rice Working Group (2016–2026)
Dr. Steele actively supervises PhD and Master’s students, including Commonwealth Scholars and KESS-funded researchers, and has led numerous funded projects such as TRIP (Transformative Reduced Input Potatoes) and initiatives on KASP marker development for rice. She also contributes to editorial boards of journals like Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems and Agronomy.
Her research is conducted within the Agriculture, Food and the Environment; Evolution, Development and Molecular Biology; and Microbiology and Biotechnology research groups at Bangor University. She has been instrumental in applying molecular tools to real-world agricultural challenges, from combating potato pathogens to improving barley for nutritional health.
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