Since completing my BSc I have been doing research into a group of bacteria-like plant pathogens which affect a wide range of plant species throughout the world. In 2004 I completed my PhD studies which involved the investigation of the biology and epidemiology of several of these pathogens which infect a pasture legume grown in tropical Australia.

Shortly after completing my doctoral studies I was appointed as research officer on the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development program at MICRRH. I have since taken up the position of research coordinator, overseeing several research and evaluation projects currently underway at the centre.


I was appointed as a Research Officer with Department of Health and Ageing funded Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development program in March 2004. Since taking up this appointment I have been involved in a range of research activities underway at MICRRH including coordinating the Mount Isa component of the CARRS-Q/JCU Rural and Remote Road Safety Project and various evaluations of community development programs.

I lodged my PhD thesis with Charles Darwin University early 2004 and graduated with this degree in October. Shortly after this I was appointed as the MICRRH Research Coordinator.


In addition to my position at MICRRH I am also a member of the Safe Communities Advisory Team which is working towards having Mount Isa recognised as a safe community under the World Health Organisation Safe Communities Framework.


I am interested in all aspects of remote and Indigenous health. Of particular interest are workforce issues, road safety, and community development.


I am currently involved in the following projects:
   •  Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Program
   •  Researcher Development Program
   •  Rural and Remote Road Safety Study
   •  Evaluation of the Family Healing Program
   •  Evaluation of the Community Partnerships Project
   •  Community InfoNet


Submitted:
NH&MRC Clinical Research Grants - ‘Community-based trial to identify and manage people at risk of alcohol-related harm in 2 remote Indigenous communities’


De La Rue, S., R. Hopkinson, S. Foster, and K Gibb (2003). Phytoplasma host range and symptom expression in the pasture legume Stylosanthes. Field Crops Research, 84 (3): 327-334.

De La Rue, S., R Hopkinson, and K Gibb (2002). Assessment of Stylosanthes seed yield reduction due to phytoplasma associated diseases. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 42 (8): 1053-1056.

De La Rue, S., A. Padovan, and K. Gibb (2001). Stylosanthes is a host for several phytoplasmas, one of which shows unique 16S-23S intergenic spacer region heterogeneity. Journal of Phytopathology 149 (10): 613-619.

De La Rue S.J. B. Schneider, and K.S. Gibb (1999). Genetic variability in phytoplasmas associated with papaya yellow crinkle and papaya mosaic diseases in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Australasian Plant Pathology, 28(2): 108-114.

Davis, R.I., S.C. Jacobson, S.J. De La Rue, L. Tran-Nguyen, T.G. Gunua, and S. Rahamma (2003). Phytoplasma disease surveys in the extreme north of Queensland, Australia, and the island of New Guinea. Australasian Plant Pathology, 32: in press.

Davis R.I., S.C. Jacobson, G.J. Waldeck, S.J. De La Rue, and K.S. Gibb (2001). A witches' broom of cocky apple (Planchonia careya) in north Queensland. Australasian Plant Pathology, 30(2): 179.

Schneider B., K.S. Gibb, A. Padovan, R.I. Davis, and S. De La Rue (1999). Comparison and characterization of tomato big bud- and sweet potato little leaf-group phytoplasmas. Journal of Phytopathology, 147(1): 31-40.

Schneider B., A. Padovan, S. De la Rue, R. Eichner, R. Davis, A. Bernuetz, and K. Gibb (1999). Detection and differentiation of phytoplasmas in Australia: an update. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research. 50(3): 333-342.


Touring on my motorbike, going to the movies, reading and doing various types of needlework.