I am a marine biologist currently completing my PhD with the Sims Lab at the Marine Biological Association in conjunction with the University of Southampton, as part of the European Research Council funded project OCEAN DEOXYFISH. My research explores the impacts of declining dissolved oxygen levels in our world’s oceans, and the effects this is having on the physiological ecology of marine predators, in particular wide-ranging oceanic shark species. Through my research I aim to provide better insights into how sharks navigate their 3D environment and determine their responses to changing oceanic conditions. Prior to starting my PhD, I completed my MRes Marine Biology degree at the University of Plymouth in collaboration with the MBA and studied Marine Biology at undergraduate level with the University of Exeter. Alongside my studies I have participated in various field work experiences roles as I wanted to be at the forefront of the conservation action. I worked in South Africa for an NGO; it was here where I saw my first shark in its natural habitat. This encounter sparked my enthusiasm to help contribute to the species conservation efforts through my research.

I am part of the dynamic multidisciplinary team working on the ERC Ocean DeOxyfish project, aimed at unravelling the complex effects of climate-driven ocean deoxygenation on shark and tuna species. My love of shark behaviour and ecology began with research on basking sharks in 1998 and after joining the MBA in 2001 I have worked on several projects, including one that led to the first long-term, 3D tracks of any pelagic shark species and ultimately contributed to the worldwide protection of basking sharks through CITES and CMS listings. More recently, a collaboration with scientists and the conservation sector in Ireland led to ‘Circles in the sea’, a multi-year study on non-feeding basking shark social behaviour and the discovery of ‘toruses’ which will help inform protection of basking sharks in Irish waters. With a hope to conserve shark species, I am also a member scientist of the Global Shark Movement, a worldwide collaborative initiative consisting of 40 groups from 26 countries that assembles and uses hard-won shark bio-logging data to tackle global anthropogenic pressures such as climate warming and over-fishing.

I am a PhD student within the Sims lab at the Marine Biological Association, in conjunction with the University of Southampton, as part of the European Research Council funded project OCEAN DEOXYFISH. My research focuses on the impact declining oxygen in the world’s oceans will have on the biology and ecology of large oceanic shark species. My main interests lie in using satellite tracking technologies to explore how shark behaviour and distributions are altered by changes in their environment and how this may effect shark interactions with human threats, such as fishing.

Before beginning my PhD I competed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine biology with the University of Plymouth. I have also held marine science roles at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office and several positions in Seychelles, including at the UNESCO world heritage site Aldabra

I am a conservation biologist currently completing my PhD research in the Sims Lab. My goal is to undertake research that can directly inform policy and sustainable management of marine species and habitats. At the moment my work focuses on exploring how movements and behaviours of pelagic sharks can be integrated into management through an understanding of their interactions with human activities now and in future oceans.

Through my research and professional development I have aimed to collaborate widely and approach topics where conservation and biology/ ecology converge, while fuelling my own passions and interests in the ocean.

Born in the UK, I studied Biological Sciences at undergraduate level at the University of Exeter where I developed an interest in marine ecology.

After my studies, I wanted to experience the ocean first hand and immerse myself in the front lines of conservation. Particularly intrigued by sharks, I first spent time working in Seychelles for a whale shark focussed NGO and then for other projects across the world. Working with local communities and dedicated researchers in the field shaped me into the scientist I am today and led me to continue my MSci and PhD research. 

In my spare time I love to hike, wild camp and swim and to dive.