Summary

I am a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Business and Law, and Manager for the Centre for Blue Governance.

Biography

I studied joint honours Biology and Psychology as an undergraduate at Newcastle University (2007-2010), followed by an MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the Queen's University of Belfast (2013).

I was awarded my PhD in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems in 2021 from the International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research at the University of Southampton where I used an interdisciplinary approach to investigate group responses of fish to underwater sound. Results are applicable to conservation efforts to reduce the impacts of anthropogenic noise, and the development of acoustic deterrent systems for invasive species control or reductions in fish screening impingement.

I am interested in the applications of scientific knowledge transfer for policy, and in 2018, secured a UKRI policy internship scheme position with host organisation, the Royal Society of Biology. My involvement in translating research into actions continues, e.g., Policy Associate role with Public Policy| Southampton in 2021 focusing on the circularity of fishing gear and rope.

Prior to joining the University of Portsmouth in 2024, I worked for two and a half years as a Fisheries Technical Specialist within environmental monitoring and consultancy, working on large-scale multi-disciplinary projects across the UK. Concurrently, I worked part-time on a PDRA project for the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, focusing on urban planning for freshwater biodiversity.

I currently sit as one of the University of Portsmouth's coordinators on the BlueGreen Governance project.