About
I joined the University of Cumbria in September 2023. Before that I worked at Newcastle University where I taught on Zoology, Ecology, Conservation and Statistics modules. I was also involved in research that aimed to better understand how farming practices can be better for wildlife and climate. I was looking for a role where I could use my passion for animals and wildlife conservation to enthuse students to follow a career in Zoology. I want to empower students to use their knowledge and passion to improve the fortunes of nature and the lives of animals – why wouldn’t you want to do that?!Selected Research and academic achievements
I am currently leading a research project aiming to look at the impacts of ‘regenerative agriculture’ on greenhouse gas emissions from farmland. I am also involved in several other research projects including looking at the diet of little terns, how rewilding affects small mammal populations and even how robots can be used to monitor wildlife!
What modules do you teach? What’s your favourite part of this module (along lines of working with students)?
I am leader of the BSc Zoology programme and enjoy teaching across (nearly) all of the modules but my favourites are ‘Zoological Monitoring Techniques’ where we get to do lots of fieldwork and learn about how to monitor some of the great wildlife across Cumbria, and ‘Challenges for Global Biodiversity’ where we get to discuss and debate how we can better look after biodiversity around the world. The students always bring great passion and fantastic ideas to these sessions, and I enjoy facilitating their discussions.
What makes your course different?
The Zoology course at the University of Cumbria is one of the few courses in the UK where you have a nearly entirely bespoke Zoology programme. This means you are rarely taught across programmes, allowing us to focus on what really interests and excites you about Zoology. We also make excellent use of the fantastic surrounding natural environments, from the parks and nature reserves in Carlisle, to the Solway Firth, Lake District and North Pennines. We are off to an island on the west coast of Scotland in May which I’m really looking forward to.
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
If you have a passion for animals, their welfare, conservation or understanding how they evolved to face current challenges and enjoy lots of discussion and a bespoke Zoology focus – then we’re the course for you. If you bring a passion and enthusiasm to learn you can’t go far wrong!
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
I enjoy the smaller class sizes than you will find at many other universities. This allows us to really get to know our students and tailor our approach to what excites them most.
Interesting fact about yourself
I’m a keen bird watcher and ‘bikepacker’ and am happiest when heading out into the hills on my bike with a tent strapped to the back and a pair of binoculars around my neck!