Kitty Cardwell

Co-Author and Editor of "Tactical Sciences for Biosecurity of Animal and Plant Systems"

January 10, 2022

Director of the Institute of Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics, and Professor of Plant Pathology, at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Cardwell is an internationally renowned expert in agricultural and environmental biosecurity. Dr Cardwell came to OSU from USDA NIFA where she was a National Program Leader. Prior to that she was a scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria and Benin, West Africa. She received her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Microbiology from Texas A&M University and a B.A., cum laude, in Botany from the University of Texas, Austin.

The ease and frequency of international travel and commerce help drive the world’s economy. This phenomenon is often referred to as globalization, which encompasses notions of world-wide commerce, market expansions, global distribution systems, integrated currencies, integrated communication, and extensive travel and transportation systems. Upsides of globalization have been in the reduction of poverty and increased cultural awareness. One downside, however, is that these activities also have potential to endanger the health and well-being of global communities through the accidental introduction of biohazards, i.e. diseases, pests and invasive species. In order to successfully defend against the unrelenting threat of exotic pests and diseases, all countries have a shared responsibility to adopt strategies that rapidly detect and mitigate global disease threats, while recognizing that national and global health are inseparable. The underpinning of a national or international health strategy is an effective biosecurity system. Biosecurity officials, industry, civil society, and international organizations will continue to rely on science for innovation and new technologies and ideas—e.g., surveillance systems, diagnostic tools, alternative pest treatment options, risk modeling and forecasting techniques and pest response and control strategies. “Tactical Sciences for Biosecurity of Animal and Plant Systems” is as an important contribution by scientists and animal and plant health professionals to advance our thinking about the changes and challenges we face in keeping our nations’ healthy and safe and offer insights and ideas to help inform biosecurity policy decisions and risk management strategies moving forward.

URL: https://library-dep.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2022-honorees/kitty-cardwell

Last Updated: 11 February 2022