Melanie Tuffen gained an interest in plant pathology whilst an undergraduate at university, and gained a PhD studying the molecular biology of phytoplasma disease. Melanie worked in the UK for FERA, and later Defra, as a plant health consultant and then pest risk analyst for just under four years. Her current role is as a post doctoral researcher in pest risk analysis at Teagasc, developing a PRA scheme for Ireland and identifying potential threats to the Irish forestry section. As well as writing national PRAs, she has taken part in EPPO Expert Working Groups. She worked as biosecurity coordinator for the Royal Horticultural Society, working across its gardens, shows and retail units to reduce the risk of introducing new and regulated pests and diseases.