BAgSci(Hons) PhD (Adel)
Sandra Savocchia has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) and a PhD from The University of Adelaide majoring in fungicide resistance and viticultural plant pathology. After completing her PhD she was employed at The University of Adelaide as a researcher in the area of grapevine root pest (phylloxera and root-knot nematode) resistance and was also involved in demonstrating and tutoring undergraduate students. She also worked for a private viticultural consultant in the Southern Vales region of South Australia.
Sandra began lecturing at CSU in 2002 in viticulture and wine science and is currently involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is passionate about her research and is involved in a number of plant pathology related projects including a national project studying the management of grapevine wood diseases. Sandra is currently Associate Dean, Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Science.
Her research team is working towards understanding the epidemiology of grapevine pathogens, improving their detection through the use of molecular tools and improving management strategies for grapevine diseases. Of particular interest are grapevine trunk diseases and those belonging to the family Botryosphaeriaceae. Current research funded by the Grape and Wine Authority involves the development of practical solutions for the management of grapevine trunk diseases. Her team is also aiming to understand the genetic diversity of fungal pathogens and how to better manage fungicide resistance in pathogens such as downy and powdery mildew and botrytis.