Shakira is the coordinator of the Farm Biosecurity Program for vegetables, potatoes and onions at AUSVEG. Her main focus is to raise awareness about pests and pathogens that are not currently present or have recently arrived.

Prior to this role, Shakira coordinated the iMapPESTS Program and completed a case study on the application of an Area Freedom framework. She used the Tomato Potato Psyllid and AUSPestCheck to demonstrate the importance of data-driven decisions concerning the movement of plant products across state and international borders.

Shakira is skilled in strategically coordinating collaborative projects, research extension, and science communication. She is an active member of the research and extension community and has a research background in molecular plant pathology.