People

I am a molecular ecological entomologist enthusiastically investigating the drivers and constraints of trophic interactions and foraging ecology. I keenly advocate for positive research culture, open research, science communication and engagement through my work and that of the wider group. My research typically blends classical entomology with molecular approaches, nutritional ecology and network science, but I love extending this into new fields and areas to expand my perspective whenever possible!

Current project: Autonomous collection and analysis of airborne spores to protect fruit crops.

Project team: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Neil Boonham (Fera Science)

Running feral on a farm in the countryside throughout my childhood set the stage for a captivation with the natural world around me. Now, I’m particularly interested in the intersection of network ecology and molecular ecology, and how this can be used to further our understanding of invertebrate interactions. Hence, I am now investigating predator-plant commensalisms as indirect drivers of ecosystem services in my PhD at Newcastle University.

PhD project: Investigating predator-plant interactions as indirect drivers of ecosystem services.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Fred Windsor (Cardiff University), Darren Evans (Newcastle University), Vivek Nityananda (Newcastle University)

During my degrees in Ecology and Entomology, I loved learning about fundamental ecological theory and environmental philosophy, and carrying out field work and insects identification. I became fascinated with cutting-edge ecological research techniques, such as the use of DNA analysis for data and the design of novel methodologies. My 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: The impact of artificial light at night on optimal foraging, trophic networks and ecosystem services.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Darren Evans (Newcastle University), Katherine Baldock (Northumbria University)

I am an entomology PhD student investigating soil invertebrate trophic networks through ecoacoustics and metagenomics at Newcastle University and Fera Science. My focus is on soil and saproxylic entomology and taxonomy. I studied an integrated masters in Cardiff where I researched ant thermal ecology and saproxylic communities in rot holes of ancient ash and oak trees. I have worked with Operation Wallacea for the last four years, three in Honduras and one in Knepp.

PhD project: Building belowground invertebrate trophic networks for soil health monitoring using metagenomics and ecoacoustics.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Darren Evans (Newcastle University), James Kitson (Fera Science), Larissa Collins (Fera Science), Carlos Abrahams (Nottingham Trent University)

PhD project: The biodiversity and carbon benefits of wood pasture vs agro-forestry.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Rachel Gaulton (Fera Science), Laura Wadkin (Newcastle University), Glyn Jones (Fera Science), Naomi Jones (Fera Science)

PhD project: Abundance, diversity and phylogenetic study of the faba bean foot and root rot disease complex in the UK.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Neil Boonham (Fera Science), Hannah Davies (Newcastle University), James Kitson (Fera Science)

MBiol project: Investigating the trophic ecology of wood decay arachnids using dietary DNA metabarcoding.

MBiol supervisor: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

PhD project: Investigating parasitoid natural enemies of invasive forest pests for conservation biocontrol through molecular, behavioural and network ecology.

PhD supervisors: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Kyle Miller (Forest Research), Laura Wadkin (Newcastle University), Max Blake (Forest Research)

PhD project: Applying eDNA metabarcoding for the biomonitoring and assessment of Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS).

PhD supervisors: Darren Evans (Newcastle University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Larissa Collins (Fera Science), Ian Adams (Fera Science)

PhD project: Quantifying the importance of tree floral resources for pollinators in urban landscapes.

PhD supervisors: Katherine Baldock (Northumbria University), Mark Goddard (Northumbria University), Darren Evans (Newcastle University), Matthew Pound (Northumbria University), Rinke Vinkenoog (Northumbria University)

PhD project: Evaluating the impact of ocean warming on marine biofouling.

PhD supervisors: Heather Sugden (Newcastle University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Lloyd Peck (British Antarctic Survey), Melody Clark (British Antarctic Survey), Tony Clare (British Antarctic Survey)

I am a marine ecologist specialising in marine sessile benthic communities, also known as biofouling communities. The ecological importance of biofouling, combined with its impact on the marine sector, makes it a rich area for research with many avenues yet to be explored. I am committed to a broader understanding of the marine environment, and I have a deep interest in all aspects of marine science.

PhD project: The effects of climate warming and heatwaves on in situ benthic marine community development.

PhD supervisors: Heather Sugden (Newcastle University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

My work explores the intricate relationship between humans and nature, as well as the connections between humans and non-human entities. I express my artistic vision through the medium of printmaking, using repetitive elements and embodied expressions. In my ongoing work, titled “Postbugs,” I delve into the integration of human and non-human characteristics. These artworks challenge the boundaries of life forms, questioning the dichotomy between humans and the natural world, and sparking contemplation on biodiversity and multi-centric existence.

PhD project: Building future community with Postbugs: a multicentric community building.

PhD supervisors: Giles Bailey (Newcastle University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

PhD project: Impacts of drought on the community structure of ants and spiders in subtropical leaf litter and their food-web interactions.

PhD supervisors: Petr Klimeš (Czech Academy of Sciences), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Martin Fikáček (National Museum, Prague)

PhD project: Monitoring and detecting invasive species in anthrobiomes: Bees on the Faroe Islands.

PhD supervisors: Rinke Vinkenoog (Northumbria University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Matthew Pound (Northumbria University), Anni Eli Djurhuus (Fróðskaparsetur Føroya)

MPhil project: Monitoring and detecting invasive species in anthrobiomes: Bees on the Faroe Islands.

MPhil supervisors: Fred Windsor (Cardiff University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

PhD project: Blue islands in a green sea: Understanding, managing and conserving pond ecosystem health.

PhD supervisors: Fred Windsor (Cardiff University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University), Dan Read (UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology), Katie Clark (Natural England)

MRes project: Investigating nutrition as a driver of predatory arthropod biocontrol in arable fields over winter.

MRes supervisor: Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

MRes project: You are what you eat: Combining metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis to gauge how the diet of the sub-Antarctic fish, Gobinotothen gibberifrons, changes with body size.

MRes supervisors: Will Reid (Newcastle University), Jordan Cuff (Newcastle University)

UG project: Assessing the spillover of beetle-parasitoid interactions from field margins using molecular analysis.

UG project: Investigating drivers of tree hollow earthworm community structure.

New positions will be opening up all the time, but why wait? Get in touch!

Come and do some super cool research on foraging ecology, trophic interactions, molecular analysis, biomonitoring and more!