My broad area of interest is conservation biology, in particular the behavioural and ecological responses of wildlife to changes in the environment. I focus very much on the conservation implications of anthropogenic environmental change, and developing mitigation and conflict strategies. I am conservation rather than species orientated and therefore have enjoyed working with a variety of animal groups, including carnivores, birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Recently I have worked more often with carnivores and small mammals, and I am now conducting my PhD studies on the impact of development and mitigation on bats, particulary lighting.

2006 - April 2011 Ph.D at the University of Bristol

2003 - 2005 M.S.c Conservation Biology with Distinction at Manchester Metropolitan University, Awarded Environmental and Behavioural Biology Prize for best performance of the year

1994 - 1997 B.S.c Hons Geography at the University of Plymouth

I have worked in conservation research for over ten years. To date most of my experience has been gained in Africa. After completing my undergraduate degree I spent five years working in Zambia as Assistant Research Coordinator on the Biodiversity Project in Kafue National Park and Project Manager at Munda Wanga Wildlife Park. During this time I was involved in many different projects from welfare based rehabilitation work to education awareness and research projects. Whilst in Zambia I was lucky to do research with a variety of species, as conducting a biodiversity survey meant I had to become familiar with most groups including, birds, butterflies, beetles, reptiles, amphibians, large and small mammals - including bats

I completed my Masters degree in Conservation Biology in 2005 and conducted my project on techniques for estimating Brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea) densities inside and outside protected areas in South Africa.

Since then I have worked on various short term projects, including an Education Display Coordinator for the Philippines project at Chester Zoo; a nine month project studying the impact of domestic cats on wildlife in Bristol funded by MTUK, and various short term contracts with ecological consultancies. My last stint in Africa was in 2006 when I returned to work as an Assisting Ecologist studying African wild dogs in South Luangwa National Park.