Biography

As a Data Assistant within the British Antarctic Survey’s Polar Data Centre, I am developing a database to ingest all biological samples obtained during British polar expeditions. In the years prior, I worked as a Research Assistant at ZSL London Zoo, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Animal Behaviour (University College London) under the Branco and Margrie research groups. Exploring navigation and spatial learning across the phylogenetic tree, I have researched a wide range of species both in situ and in captivity (from leaf cutter ants to Asian elephants, with two projects focused on the West African fiddler crab). With an MSc in Wild Animal Biology from the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London’s Institute of Zoology, as well as a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Washington, I ultimately strive to achieve a PhD specialising in apex predator ethology or physiology – specifically in response to increasing pollution and climate pressures.

Research interests

Interests include wildlife conservation, welfare, genetics, epidemiology, ex-situ breeding programmes, rehabilitation and advanced cognition. Through research, I aim to further our understanding the influence of climate change on animal welfare; however, as we all know, refined data management is the backbone of quality science!

Collaborations

Within my current role at the PDC we collaborate with a wide variety of teams, both within BAS and beyond. I have previously collaborated or been affiliated with the following institutions:

• Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Animal Behaviour, University College London
• Zoological Society of London, London and Whipsnade Zoos
• Royal Burgers’ Zoo and Safaripark
• Institute of Zoology
• University of Algarve
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Royal Veterinary College
• Friday Harbor Laboratories, San Juan Island WA
• University of Washington, Seattle
• University of Santa Cruz Longs Marine Lab
• United States Geological Survey