Adrian talks to Dr Manjula Kularathna who has just stared at a lecturer at Lincoln University. Manjula is passionate about nematodes and cricket. Manjula is particularly interested in nematodes that affect crops and has worked extensively on nematodes in soy and maize crops. New Zealand has been lacking any researcher in this vital area for the last couple of decades and we are even unsure as to just how much of a problem (and crop losses) are caused by these parasites. Manjula will be a great asset to New Zealand agriculture. He is also interested in how nematodes (including native species) contribute to ecosystem processes and will work with soil scientists and ecologists to understand the role of these omnipresent species.