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Data analysis & visualisation
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Experimental design
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Matlab programming
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Writing & editing
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Problem solving
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Illustration & Photography
Originally trained as a biologist, I now work at the intersection of neuroscience, animal behaviour and engineering. I am also an artist and photographer.
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I recently decided to leave academic research to seek new challenges and put the skills I have developed to use in new areas.
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I focus on identifying and filling important gaps in our knowledge using data analysis, experimentation and interdisciplinary research.
2017 - 2022
Researcher, Brains on Board, Queen Mary, University of London
Working in Prof. Lars Chittka's world-renowned lab, I led a programme of research for Brains on Board, a major interdisciplinary research project.
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We aim to design autonomous flying robots with navigational and learning abilities inspired by those of honeybees.
2014 - 2017
Postdoctoral research fellow, Queen Mary, University of London
I investigated how bees acquire and use information about the world for large-scale navigation, tracking their movements using harmonic radar technology and developing new methods for analysing their behaviour.
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I also managed a major engineering project, developing a new generation of radars.
2012 - 2014
Post-doctoral research associate, University of Sussex
I used high-speed camera systems to investigate how ants learn complex routes. I used Matlab to develop new tools to process and analyse large datasets of animal movements.
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I also wrote and presented lectures on neuroscience and animal behaviour for undergraduate classes.
2006 - 2011
PhD in sensory ecology, Cardiff University
I was awarded a PhD in sensory ecology and physiology for my studies into the role of stress on the brain development and mate preferences of birds.
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I won a fully funded Targeted Priority Studentship by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and my doctoral research produced four papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and oral presentations at two international conferences.
2002 - 2005
BSc (1st class) in Zoology, University of Bristol
I undertook an undergraduate project in human psychology, investigating how mood and emotions influence judgement, which was subsequently published in a respected scientific journal.
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My undergraduate studies in animal behaviour, psychology and physiology inspired a lifelong interest in cognition and how our brains process information.
1994 - 2001
Secondary education, The Skinners School,
I was awarded four A-levels in 2001: Biology (A), Mathematics (B), Chemistry (B), General studies (B).
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I achieved nine GCSEs in 1999: three A*s, five As, and one B.