• Research scientist studying changes to ecosystems through human interaction

I work at Cefas where I lead the Ecosystems Change Science Theme. Joining Cefas in 2013, I have spent more than 15 years as a quantitative ecologist in deep-sea ecology, marine protected areas, marine mammals – fisheries interactions, bycatch and sustainability in fisheries, and Antarctic ecosystems. Since then, I have led several research projects at Cefas, including teams responsible for providing scientific information and developing research for advice to policymakers. I have focused on high-seas environments and fisheries including in the Antarctic, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean, and have been part of the UK delegations to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). I have also previously represented the EU to several international Regional Management Bodies, leading and contributing to the EU scientific delegations at CCAMLR, SIOFA, and SPRFMO. At present I serve as the UK National Focal Point for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment.

In my research career I have worked in several, quite different areas. However, throughout I have always focussed on how ecosystems and biota respond to changes in the environment. My personal research interests centre on environment and ecology, studying how group dynamics change through interaction with the environment and how these changes translate to survival of the population. I aim to understand how environmental factors (such as anthropogenic pressure) and behavioural interactions lead to successful population maintenance.

I work at UEA for one day each week to develop and facilitate research collaborations between UEA and Cefas, as part of the strategic alliance between these institutions and the establishment of the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas (CCSUS).  Joint publications co-authored by Cefas & UEA since 2008. 

Additional Contacts: I work at Cefas in the Science Office.

CEFAS Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
Tel. 01502 524377
Email. [email protected]

• Human-ecosystem interactions, behavioural ecology, environmental factors affecting changes in group dynamics (behaviour, reproduction), individual and population adaptation to changes in environment (e.g anthropogenic pressure, fishery), marine mammal behaviour adaptation to changing environment, deep sea ecology, big data

• Understanding the impacts of fishery on ecosystems in a changing climate and communicating these to policy makers.

• Previous research includes studying reproductive success in ground-nesting birds (link to Dartmoor Upland Bird Nest Group), evaluating effects of endocrine disruptors on physiological, behavioural, and population genetics level in fish, investigating interactions of deep-sea fisheries with cold-water coral ecosystems and effectiveness of UK MPAs in their protection (Exploring the world's largest cold-water reef in the Arctic: Part 1, Part 2), or surveying and mapping intertidal seagrass communities in pristine vs polluted areas.

Link to google scholar profile

Prior to coming to UEA I was employed as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for five years by the University of Exeter, with over 850 hours experience contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including lectures, practicals, research student supervision and module/course coordination. In my last year at Exeter I have received nominations for Best Postgraduate Teacher at the Exeter University Teaching Awards. I am an Associate at the Higher Education Academy.

Guest Lecturer:

ENV-5014A: Population Ecology and Management

ENV-4000B: Biodiversity & Sustainability