I'm an ecologist with an interest in social science, so I work on interdisciplinary projects to try and advance sustainability in a variety of ways. In general, my research interests could be summed up as 'where species are found and why, how this will change with climate change, and finding win-win solutions for biodiversity and climate change that work for people'. I'm very aware that to make a difference, we need to involve people - whether that be via encouraging more environmentally friendly behaviours, working with nature reserve managers to include climate change, or consulting with local communities about which proposed climate change adaptation solutions work for them.

As an Associate Professor I am involved in the communication, teaching and assessment of climate change and its impacts, as well as sustainability and ecology. I lead a third-year unit in climate change, a masters level unit in sustainability and BU’s first year Geography field course, as well as contributing to other units. I am also pathway lead for BU for the South-West Doctoral Training Partnership, leading the Climate Change, Sustainability and Society pathway. To align with this, I lead a multidisciplinary research cluster on Communicating Climate Change and Sustainability for Society, with members from across three faculties.

To give an idea of the breadth of my interests, I currently co-supervise three PGR students, one looking at Osprey reintroductions, one at how public perception of companies' intentions affects wishcycling and one quantifying effectiveness of heathland restoration. I have co-supervised 11 PhD and two MRes students to completion across topics within archaeology, palaeoecology, animal behaviour, plant/invertebrate community ecology and cultural ecosystem services, and would be interested in hearing from potential students with interests aligned to my research.

I have a passion for Knowledge Exchange and maintain a network of collaborators from a wide range of environmental organisations, and like to involve students at all levels throughout my research. I recently convened an international network of scientists working in the field of microclimate ecology, and am continuing my own research in this area.

Research

I am currently working on Climate Change Adaptation, including Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change, which should be win-win solutions for both biodiversity and climate that also work for people. I am co-lead of a multidisciplinary research cluster aiming to resolve the extinction crisis, which includes academics from across natural, physical and social sciences. I also lead a research cluster in Communicating Climate Change and Sustainability for Society.

I am lead supervisor for a PhD student studying how people's perceptions of greenwashing are affected by personality factors and how this affects their tendency to wishcycle, and co-supervisor of a PhD student studying the factors affecting Osprey migration, and the success of an Osprey reintroduction project. I'm also lead supervisor of a MRes student quantifying effectiveness of heathland restoration.

Publications

Grants

Outreach & engagement

This page is a shortened version of a BU academic profile. To view the complete profile, visit our Staff Profiles site.