Jess Allan & Barley Rose Collier-Letcher –

Centre for Forest Protection Co-Leads

Jess and Barley Rose are the CFP Co-Leads. They work together and with colleagues across Forest Research, Kew and Defra to deliver the CFP strategy. Their roles involve coordinating the research programme, supporting the education and training programme, overseeing CFP communications, and monitoring and evaluating programme delivery and impact.

Jess has a background in environmental science and an MSc in Conservation. She previously worked at The Tree Council, managing collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects with a range of partners. She is interested in trees in all their forms and functions, whether they are in forests, woodlands, scrub, parkland, hedgerows, farms or gardens! She joined the CFP in September 2025, and in October 2026, she embarked on a PhD with the University of Gloucestershire.

Barley Rose has a background in Tree Health with a PhD in Forest Genetics and Insect Resistance and an undergraduate in Plant Sciences. She has worked on numerous research projects looking at increasing resilience in UK forestry. Her projects include developing a smart trap to detect insect pests with Forest Research and a genetic chip to test the provenance of tree material at the University of Oxford with the Conifer Breeding Cooperative. She joined the CFP in September 2026 and is continuing her work at Forest Research to investigate the operational feasibility of using drones to apply pesticides alongside this role.

Suzanne Sancisi-Frey – Education & Training Lead

Suzy is the CFP Education & Training Lead. She leads on the delivery of a successful internship scheme, as well as the development of a postgraduate module in Forest Protection with Bangor University, and a suite of free online training modules designed to promote continuous professional development in the forestry and tree health sector.

Suzy has a background in environmental microbiology (PhD), plant pathology (BSc. and MRes) and many years of experience in forest pathology (research, diagnostics, training and education). She joined the CFP in November 2021, after working for Forest Research since 2010 and was previously employed by Cranfield University, and the Open University as a research fellow.

Cheung Tang – Senior Science Education Coordinator

Cheung is the Senior Science Education Coordinator at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he oversees the education and training components within the CFP. In addition, he serves as the Teaching Lead for the MSc in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation.

His research focuses on plant systematics, molecular phylogenetics, biogeography, and diversification rate analysis, and he also maintains a strong interest in environmental education. Prior to his current role with the CFP which he began in May 2023, he worked as a Science Education Coordinator at RBG Kew and spent over four years as a lecturer in Hong Kong, where he was actively engaged with environmental NGOs.

Milly Bell – Programme & Communications Officer

Milly is the CFP Programme & Communications Officer. She manages CFP communications, including the website, LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube, and mailing list/newsletter. She collaborates with researchers and scientists across Forest Research, Kew, Defra and partners to develop and publish regular content including research updates, training opportunities, news, and more. She also supports the wider science and education programmes.

Prior to joining the CFP in June 2025, Milly was an Engagement Officer for the Forestry Commission South West Area Team, and before that, a Senior Sustainable Development Officer for East Riding of Yorkshire Council where she developed and managed environmental policies and action plans. She has degrees in BSc (Hons) Geography and MA Environmental Sociology, both from Lancaster University.