James Townsend

James Townsend is a seasoned Senior Associate Forensic Investigator at Hawkins & Associates, specializing in forensic investigation services related to plant pathology, agriculture, and horticulture for the insurance industry since March 2022. Previously, James served as an Applied Plant Pathologist at Berry Gardens Growers Ltd, focusing on disease diagnostics and management strategies for various berries. Experience also includes project management in plant pathology research at Stockbridge Technology Centre, research technician roles at the University of Warwick and Rothamsted Research, and earlier positions in laboratory analysis and research assistance. James holds a BSc in Applied Biology from Brunel University London and has acquired further qualifications in expert witnessing, postharvest technologies, molecular biology, and fungal biodiversity.