Dr Erica Bower
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+44 118 378 5622
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Researcher on the KIARA project (Knowledge and Innovation for Advisory Services in Regenerative Agriculture)
Areas of interest
- Agroecology
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Extension services and farmer training
- Farmer knowledge and practices
- Science communication
- Project management
Research projects
PICSA (Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture): April 2023 – December 2024.
KIARA (Knowledge and Innovation for Advisory Services in Regenerative Agriculture): January 2025 –
Background
After completing a PhD in Ecology (on interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and foliar-feeding insects), Erica worked in the conservation sector, then as a science writer at Kew Gardens. Erica then spent many years working as a freelance interpretation consultant, specialising in communication at nature reserves, botanic gardens and other visitor attractions. This work involved translating complex scientific messages into exhibitions, leaflets and interpretation boards designed to appeal to and resonate with public audiences. Erica lectured on the MSc programme in Interpretation: Management and Practice at the University of the Highlands and Islands, from 2009 to 2024.
An interest in allotment gardening and food production, combined with a growing awareness of the global impact of agriculture, led to Erica to move into Agriculture and Development via an MSc course at the University of Reading (2019-2021). Subsequently, she has worked as a Research Associate on projects with small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Central Asia as part of PICSA, and is now on a project (KIARA) to develop programmes for farmer trainers in regenerative agriculture in eastern Europe.Academic qualifications
PhD in Ecology (University of London, UK)
MSc in Agriculture & Development (University of Reading, UK)