Louise is Professor of Land and Water Science at Lancaster Environment Centre. She is currently on secondment (part-time) to the Scottish Government as their Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) for Rural Affairs and the Environment. Louise previously held the post of Theme Leader for the Natural Environment Research Council, where she led the development of NERCs strategic science portfolio for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources theme. Louise’s interests in the translation of science into policy are reflected in her recent appointment to Defra’s Science Advisory Council.
Louise has over 25 years experience in land and water systems science. Current research includes work on diffuse pollution modeling; pathogen transfers from land to water; hyporheic zone processes; cross-disciplinary analysis of knowledge exchange and effectiveness of animal disease management; and quantifying phosphorus delivery from land to water. Louise has published over 150 refereed articles plus seven research level edited books.