New role for ecology expert

Posted 24 August 2012

Harper Adams University College is pleased to announce that Dr Andy Wilcox will now be heading the Crop and Environment Sciences Department.

Dr Wilcox has been a Lecturer at Harper Adams since 1992, specialising in agricultural ecology with a particular interest in the conservation of farmland biodiversity.

He has spent time supervising taught postgraduate provision at the University College, as well as maintaining his research interests and progressing to Principal Lecturer.

His new role will involve him overseeing all courses belonging to the Crop and Environment Sciences department, including the management of around 40 academic and support staff.

Dr Wilcox, who has a degree in Zoology from Liverpool University, a master’s degree in Entomology and Pest Management and a PhD in Plant Ecology both from Imperial College, London, is looking forward to the challenges that his new role will bring.

He said: “I’m very pleased to have a new focus and I am looking forward to working with colleagues and developing the good work of previous head of department, Dr Keith Chaney, further.

“The first challenge will be to establish the new entomology and related courses, and to begin developing the department’s teaching and research portfolio.”

Dr Wilcox was brought up in Wigan and now resides in Wellington, Shropshire, with his wife Rebecca.

Throughout his time at Harper Adams he has maintained his research interests - primarily how agriculture can be environmentally sensitive whilst remaining profitable. He is also a keen bird watcher and enjoys photography.

Dr Wilcox added: “The Crop and Environment Sciences Department covers subjects such as pure crop production right through to countryside management and pest control methods.

“Part of my new role will be to support the staff working in those individual areas, whilst ensuring that the department stays current and relevant.

“I hope to be able to develop new initiatives to enhance the already impressive reputation of the department for quality teaching and research.”