Personal profile
Career
I am an interdisciplinary biologist with a background in temperate and tropical biology, conservation management, community engagement, and education outreach. Much of my work has focused on chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan conservation and biology, but I have been fortunate enough to work also with a wide range of other iconic fauna, from sharks and whales, and even mammoths and dinosaurs.
I am also an award-winning broadcaster, and author. I have presented a range of science and wildlife documentaries and series, including 'Secrets of Bones' (BBC Four), 'Hyper-Evolution: Rise of the Robots' (BBC Two), and 'Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard' (BBC One). I have hosted numerous BBC Radio Four, and Audible Original, series (including BBC Inside Science) and have written over 20 books, primarily aimed at engaging young readers with scientific non-fiction content.
Teaching Interests
My teaching spans several undergraduate modules, where there is a focus on evolutionary biology, and biodiversity. Additionally, I run numerous anatomy practicals, with a strong emphasis on form and function.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
Bachelor of Science, Animal Behaviour, Anglia Ruskin University
Master in Science, Wild Animal Biology, Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Doctor of Science, Primates of the Caribbean: using historical-era introduction of monkeys in the Lesser Antilles to understand patterns of island evolution., University College London
External positions
Patron, British Hen Welfare Trust
Patron, Humanists UK
Ambassador, Marine Conservation Society
Patron, Natural Sciences Collections Association
Vice President, Norfolk Wildlife Trust
President, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society
Patron, Norwich Science Festival
Patron, Youth STEMM Award
Keywords
- Zoology
- Biodiversity, Conservation & Environmental Biology
- Education (General)
- Science (General)
Media Expertise
- Biology
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Climate Change
- Environment
- Evolution
- Adaptation
- Education
- Environmental Politics
- Exercise
- Infectious diseases
- Pollution
- Volunteering