I work within the "Center for Marine Biofouling & Corrosion" at PML Applications Ltd primarily on the biological side of biofouling for the commercial shipping sector, off-shore renewables and the MoD.I lead sub groups for In-Water Cleaning trials, BioSecurity & Non-Native Species and Expert Evidence. (More information is available in my profile section).

This research group focuses on global environmental change and ecosystems, specialising in kelp forest ecology and non-native species (NNS) in particular. As lead taxonomist in the group I was responsible for long-term field and lab experiments, processing kelp and epibiotic samples to characterise whole kelp forest assemblages.

Over 170 hull surveys carried out on both sides of the English Channel on recreational vessels identifying all fouling organisms present. This information was linked to voyage histories in an attempt to map the actual and potential for spread of NNS between the northern French and the southern UK coast lines. Extensive settlement panel studies and Rapid Assessment Surveys (RAS) (where marinas are surveyed by an experienced specialist team using a scientifically accepted methodology that maximises efficiency and accuracy), of both French and English coastlines.

During my degree course I assisted PhD students studying effects of invasive algae on native seagrass beds and macrophysiology of estuarine amphipods carrying out marine survey and sampling, (both wading and diving: the latter full-face mask with surface comms, to Scientific ACOPs standards), sample curation, processing and analysis as volunteer.Later on, after graduating and getting some reseacrch experience, I was invited back as a guest lead instructor for the marine sessile invertebrate section of the Natural History course at this world renowned marine biology department, teaching identification and dissection techniques to >100 students annually. Also co-taught on all marine identification classes in small specialist team.

In this "Aliens 2" role I carried out all field and lab work on the south-west component of the large national project. This primarily involved Rapid Assessment Surveyss, and the deployment of settlement panels with subsequent identification and quantification of fouling species. This data was combined with environmental parameters to identify characteristics that may facilitate or inhibit the colonization and spread of non-native fouling fauna around the UK coastline.I also collected and cultured (in-vitro) specimens for early stage identification photographs and notes for publication as a taxonomic resource. I was awarded a Porcupine Natural History Society grant which allowed me to produce high resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy images of several fouling species. Subsequently the world’s first comprehensive guide to early life stage identification of fouling fauna has been produced and is available on line.

Mist netting birds in remote locations for the collection of blood, feather and nail samples while ringing and recording. Also helped with zooplankton analysis from Lake Ontario samples.