Since participating in several research expeditions to the Southern Ocean with the British Antarctic Survey, Dr Tancell went on to manage the Southern Ocean section of the European Network of Excellence for Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics (EUR-OCEANS) before completing a PhD in Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge, funded by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. She was part of Natural England's Government Advice team for the Marine Environment, Director and Principal Ecologist for the ecological consultancy, Concord Ecology and Principal Ecologist for Uttlesford District Council.Dr Tancell’s work is driven by the desire to understand the natural environment and the mechanisms through which meaningful, positive environmental change can be brought about.She is currently Ecology Director of Verna Earth Solutions.