Sam is a research associate and lead project technician at the University of East Anglia, working on the OpenLAND Land Use Net Zero (LUNZ) project.

Through his work on the LUNZ project, Sam aims to direct research that contributes toward the adoption of sustainable agricultural and land use practices and providing policy advice for improved environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, and a net-zero future.

Sam successfully defended his PhD thesis “Soil Carbon Capture for Ecosystem Service Enhancement” in January 2025 (University of East Anglia). His PhD research centred on the concept of soil recarbonisation to provide improvements to ecosystem service delivery, mitigation of climate change, and driving agriculture towards a net-zero future. Involving multidisciplinary research including elements of physical soil science, environmental economics, ecosystem service assessment, soil biodiversity and agriculture*^, **.

Prior to this Sam studied a MNATSCI at the University of East Anglia, graduating with a First Class Honours duel major in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences in 2019.

Following the completion of his Master's degree, Sam worked jointly with the School of Environmental Sciences and GreenWorld Sales as a research associate, managing the VALCRUM*** (valorisation of paper crumble), and PANEZA**** (paper crumble for net-zero agriculture) projects respectively. Sam has also previously worked as a KE+ research associate in both the School of Environmental Science and Norwich Business School, creating links between business and local industry for improved agri-environmental outcomes.

Sam is an associate tutor, involved with assisting with the supervision and management of undergraduate and master's project students, and providing assistance in taught undergraduate modules. Sam has also managed, organised, and led the soil science component of the Slapton field course module for first year environmental science undergraduates at UEA. 

* Capturing a Soil Carbon Economy

**Physical Protection of Soil Carbon Stocks Under Regenerative Agriculture

*** Recycling Paper to Recarbonise Soil

****Click for link to video on PANEZA (Paper Crumble for Net-Zero Agriculture)