I gained a BSc in Environment, Economics and Ecology in 2004 and an MRes in Ecology and Environmental Management in 2005 both from the University of York.

Before joining WildCRU I worked as a consultant ecologist and research assistant. In these roles I specialised in freshwater ecology and GIS analysis.

I joined WildCRU in 2009 as a field assistant on the habitat management and aquatic fauna project in the upper Thames area. In 2010 I was employed as a research assistant on the invasive crayfish management project. I am now beginning my doctoral research into the distribution and dispersal of herpetofauna in lowland farmland. The project forms part of WildCRU’s wider Upper Thames Project.

Following my PhD, I have now moved on to a career in research support within the University. I am a Senior Research Funding Specialist in the Science Area and responsible for reviewing grant applications, supporting award set-up and offering guidance. In my free time I am still involved with some research and outreach, contributing to papers and volunteering for educational visits for my local school pond.