My Research

Mass extinctions have wiped out >75% of life on Earth at least five times through geological history. Many fear that human activities are driving a sixth catastrophe. Although mechanisms differ between deep-time extinction scenarios and the present, these commonly feature rapid environmental change. Biodiversity loss and the rate of recovery following an extinction event depends on the severity of change – how nasty it got, and how long it took to get better. My project aims to experimentally investigate how environmental stress might drive extinctions and the slow recovery of diversity. We hope to learn what the future landscape of the Humber might look like, as well as use our experiments to better understand crises of the past.

My background

After graduating from St Andrews University I acquired a NERC scholarship to study for an MSc in Marine Sciences. Thanks to these degrees I gained practical experience in a myriad of lab techniques; from genetic analysis to lipid extraction to taxonomical identification. These degrees also allowed me to develop a concrete understanding of biological and marine sciences. Since graduating I have worked as a Field Assistant for the British Antarctic Survey, a Consultant Ecologist with a highly regarded ecology firm and spent time as a Driver and Tour Leader for an adventure travel company. All of this has helped to shape me into a highly driven and practical scientist, with an exceptional range of unique skills and experiences.

Brief C.V.

2005-2009: BSc Environmental Biology, University of St Andrews