Overview
Profile summary
I am a PhD student undertaking research within the scope of transformative ocean governance and the interface between people and the environment, using case studies such as Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the North Devon World Surfing Reserve to establish what 'transformational governance' looks like. I have also held research assistant positions supporting various projects working with the Blue Marine Foundation, the DiadES project (https://diades.eu/) and Plymouth City Council on the State of the Sound.
After graduating from the University of Plymouth in 2007 with a MSc in Biological Diversity and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology, I went on to work as an aquarist and then as a displays supervisor in public aquariums across the UK. Along with animal husbandry, I also developed and led on education initiatives, as well as volunteer and staff training programmes. This highlighted to me the positive impact education can have on people and the environment and eventually led me to move into a career in teaching.
I began teaching animal science, marine biology, and wildlife conservation in both FE and HE settings, before becoming a programme leader and then HE curriculum manager. I designed a number of new modules focusing on marine policy and management. Prior to starting my PhD, I worked in learning development, supporting students in developing their academic practice. I gained my PGCE in 2014 and was awarded a Senior Fellowship to the Higher Education Academy in 2019.
I have now returned to Plymouth to undertake my PhD research both within the UK and further afield.
Professional memberships
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (June 2020)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):