PhD Researcher
Background
During my first degrees, in Ecology and Entomology, I loved learning about fundamental ecological theories, environmental philosophy, carrying out field work and IDing insects in the lab. I conducted my own research project on invertebrate assemblages in fragmented Bristol woodlands, many hours spent over the microscope with dichotomous keys identifying beautiful ferocious carabid beetles. I became fascinated with cutting-edge ecological research techniques, such as the use of DNA for data, remote-sensed satellite imagery, and designing novel methodologies. I applied my new skills in monitoring a protected insect (Maculinea arion) for the National Trust, designing GIS-based strategic habitat connectivity projects for the West of England Nature Partnership, and collecting and identifying thousands of caterpillars for the University of Oxford’s Wytham Tit Project. The Royal Entomological Society supported my Masters in Entomology, where my research focussed on natural enemies in arable field margins, exploring trade-offs between biological control and multiple ecosystem services in ecostacking on a Horizon2020 project. This PhD combines several key interests of mine: artificial light at night, invertebrate communities, fundamental ecological theory, and cutting-edge research methodologies, combined with the opportunity to implement experimental studies in both the field and lab.
PhD Project
Insects play key roles in almost every food web globally and provide crucial ecosystem services, such as pollination for 75% of our crops and controlling agricultural pest populations. Unfortunately, the Anthropocene has seen dramatic declines in both insect biomass and diversity, with recent studies suggesting one significant and overlooked driver is light pollution. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is growing in both extent and intensity as rapidly advancing lighting technology reduces the cost per unit of brightness. Furthermore, a shift towards broad-spectrum “white” LED light may drive additional changes to trophic networks. My project seeks to fill a knowledge gap in how ALAN impacts invertebrate populations at a community level by constructing trophic networks informed by nutrient cascades and eDNA, to elucidate how ALAN ultimately impacts the provision of essential insect-mediated ecosystem services. Using novel protocols, I will integrate macronutrient analyses of plants and invertebrates along with dietary metabarcoding into ecological networks to study the impacts of ALAN on communities in light-naïve and light-established communities in the field. Alongside laboratory-based experiments, this will unravel fundamental drivers of predator-prey and insect-plant interactions related to optimal foraging theory.
Brief CV
Tree & Invertebrate Ecology Field Assistant, University of Oxford, March 2024 – June 2024
During this full-time field-based role for Oxford’s Wytham Tit Project I collected arboreal caterpillars, insect frass and data on tree phenology, alongside building research equipment and extensive laboratory identification of caterpillars.
Laboratory Technician, Ifield Community College, April 2022 – September 2022
Based within the science laboratory of a large school and college, I prepared experiments and demonstrations, supported practical lessons in the classroom, and improved the accessibility of textbooks and equipment for students and staff.
Nature Recovery Network Assistant, West of England Nature Partnership & Avon Wildlife Trust, November 2020 – February 2021
Using ArcGIS Pro I designed strategic habitat connectivity projects for a range of partners, worked with Avon Wildlife Trust to ground-truth my data, and obtained additional funding to extend my role. My recommendations were included into local Green Infrastructure policy.
Renewable Energy Project Assistant, Aura Power, August 2020 – October 2020
During this internship I gained skills for site-finding, planning and data management for solar farms in the UK and Portugal.
Large Blue Butterfly Ranger, Somerset National Trust & Butterfly Conservation UK, June 2018 – July 2018
This field-based role focussed on monitoring a reintroduced protected parasitic butterfly and involved extended monitoring of all butterfly species on-site with twice-daily transects, visitor engagement and the writing of a popular daily blog.
Planning Assistant & Land Charges Officer, Horsham District Council, November 2014 – April 2015
I supported Planning Officers in a local council alongside carrying out land searches to provide geographical information to a range of customers. I also set up a drop-in service to allow members of the public to access records on council computers.
Memberships
Member of Methods in Insect Nutrition Research Working Group, COST Action CA23127 Group on Insect Nutrition
Member of Light Pollution Working Group, Status of Insects International Research Coordination Network
Member of Royal Entomological Society
Member of British Arachnological Society
Member of British Entomological & Natural History Society
Member of British Ecological Society
Foraging Ecology Research Group 