Professional summary
Research Interests
My research focuses on understanding spatial and temporal patterns of ecological functioning, diversity and species’ distributions, with an aim to improve fundamental ecological understanding and to better predict how environmental (biotic, climate, biogeochemical and land-use) changes affect natural ecosystems, and how ecosystems can best be conserved. I am particularly interested in forests and terrestrial vegetation. I apply a range of spatial and statistical modelling techniques to address these research themes. Current research projects include:
- Ecology of intact and regenerating tropical forests
- Functional trait composition and effects on demographic rates and carbon cycling
- Effects of plant compositional change on belowground carbon and nutrient cycling
- Plant invasion and ecosystem impacts
- Impacts of air pollution on terrestrial ecosystems
- Spatial and spatio-temporal analyses
For publications, please visit my Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=t4ZruzwAAAAJ&hl=en
Current students:
- Arne Scheire (PhD, NERC GW4+ DTP, University of Exeter)
Past students:
- Robin Hayward (PhD, NERC IAPETUS DTP, University of Stirling)
- David Bartholomew (PhD, NERC GW4+ DTP, University of Exeter)
- Emily Waddell (PhD, NERC ACCE DTP, University of York: Plant invasion of tropical forest fragments)
- Abby Wallwork (PhD, NERC ENVISION DTP, University of Lancaster: Linking functional diversity with soil carbon dynamics in secondary tropical forests)
- Will Clayden (MSc, University of Lancaster)
- Helen Hallang (MSc, University of Edinburgh)
Brief CV
- 2020 - present: Senior Statistical Ecologist, UKCEH
- 2013 - 2020: Statistical Ecologist, CEH
- 2011-2013: Post-doctoral Researcher, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster
- 2010-2011: Visiting lecturer, School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Quantitative Analysis for Environmental Managers
Qualifications
- PhD - University of Leeds, Tropical Ecology
- MSc - University of Nottingham, Environmental Management
- BSc (Hons) - University of Nottingham, Geography
- PhD - University of Leeds, Tropical Ecology
- MSc - University of Nottingham, Environmental Management
- BSc (Hons) - University of Nottingham, Geography
Panels, committees and memberships
- Associate Editor for Ecology & Evolution (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2045-7758).
- British Ecological Society Events Committee.
- Centre for Excellence in Environmental Data Science (CEEDS) Air Theme Lead
- Associate Editor for Ecology & Evolution (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2045-7758).
- British Ecological Society Events Committee.
- Centre for Excellence in Environmental Data Science (CEEDS) Air Theme Lead