Hester E. Williams PhD
Involved in research on the biological control of Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).
Current research and/or projects
Biological Control of Ailanthus altissima in Canada.
Evaluation of the current status of the historical biocontrol programme on Hypericum perforatum in British Columbia, Canada.
Professional activities / interests
Collaboration with national and international researchers on biocontrol of invasive plants.
Mentoring students
Education and awards
PhD Biological Science, Auckland University, 2020
M.Sc. Entomology, Rhodes University, 2003
Nat. Dipl. Agricultural Research - Botany, Tshwane University of Technology, 1994
International experience and/or work
South Africa (Agricultural Research Council - Plant Protection Research Institute)
- Biological control of several subtropical invasive plant species in South Africa, including: Lantana camara, Doxantha unguis-cati, and Tecoma stans.
New Zealand (Auckland University & Manaaki Whenua LandCare Research)
- Completed my PhD in Biological Science by using a biocontrol agent species as proxy to study processes underpinning the early stages of bio-invasion
Key publications
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Williams, H.E., D. Ensing, & C.E. Moffat. 2023. Investigation into the contemporary status of Saint John's wort biocontrol in British Columbia. Inter-ministry Invasive Species Working Group (IMISWG) meeting, 25 Oct 2023.
2023 - View publication details
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Mancera Barreto et al. 2024. The rise of weevil: Abundance and phenology of Bangasternus fausti and Larinus minutus in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. 2023 Entomological Society of British Columbia Conference, Kamloops BC.
2023 - View publication details
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British Columbia (& Canada’s) Approach to Spotted Lanternfly Preparedness. Moffat, C.E., Williams, H., Kimoto, T., Holden, D., Bullas-Appleton, E., Gariepy, T.,D., Turbelin, A., Roe, A. Washington State Spotted Lanternfly Action Plan Webinar, Presentation to Washington Invasive Species Council. June 6, 2023.
2023 - View publication details
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Moffat, C.E., Williams, H.E., Gariepy, T.D. Turbelin, A.J., Roe, A.D. 2023. An Update on the Invasion Risk Posed by Spotted Lanternfly for Canada. Invasive 2023: Invasive Species Council of BC's Annual Forum & AGM. February 28 - March 2, 2023. New Westminster, BC.
2023 - View publication details
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Williams HE, CE Moffat. 2023. Tree of Heaven – Risks, Impacts and Prospects for Biological Control in Canada. ISCBC Invasives 2023 Forum & AGM. Feb 27 - March 2, 2023.
2023 - View publication details
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La lutte biologique en Colombie-Britannique: des écosystèmes disparates, des communautés diverses. 2022. Moffat, C.E., Nelson, T.D., Marshall, V., Williams, H.E., Ensing, D.J. Societe d'entomologie du Quebec reunion annuelle 2022. 27-28 Octobre 2022, Granby, QC.
2022 - View publication details
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Williams HE, CE Moffat. 2022. Tree of Heaven – Impacts, Promising Options for Biological Control, and risk posed to facilitate an Invasion of Spotted Lanternfly. BC Regional Invasive Species Organizations - Annual Meeting, Sept 28th, 2022
2022 - View publication details