My Research

My current research focus is on the effects of environmental change on behavioural traits, how these are acclimatized or adapted to and are these transient, short or long term changes? Focusing on the marine polycheate, Nereis diversicolor, I am monitoring key changes in reproductive behavior, feeding strategy, predator avoidance and escape mechanisms, as well as impacts on size, weight and larval number whilst under predicted environmental stresses. This research is part of a collaborative project with Southampton University that will assess how short and long term environmental forcing and biological interactions will impact on functional trait expressions of marine invertebrates. This data will contribute to the development of a trait based model to predict how environmental changes will impact of marine benthic ecosystem functioning.

My other research interests and previous experience lies with the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. I am part of a project looking at the use of pheromones in aquaculture. The shore crab is a native species to the UK but is highly invasive due to its robust life cycle. The introduction of this species into other ecosystems has had a devastating effect on native species and aquaculture. We are therefore investigating methods of population control and species specific trapping to help control their negative impacts on aquaculture and fragile ecosystems.

Brief CV

2020-present PDRA University of Hull.