Samuel Leigh Email and Phone Number

Project: Harnessing multiple ecosystem services from novel crop rotations: increased yield, pest regulation and biodiversityBBSRC DTP - LIBERATION

I was module convener and sessional lecturer for the 2016-2017 Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Data course at the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading. Responsibilities included organising the course structure, field trips, coursework assessment and teaching sessions as well as lecturing throughout the course.

I was the policy intern at the British Ecological Society working within the policy team. As part of this internship I authored a policy guide for members on how science can inform Parliament. I supported the day to day work of the policy team which included event management, partnership building and science communication.

I worked as an academic fellow for the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology conducting interviews, carrying out research, and writing on the subject of environmentally sustainable agriculture.

I worked as a seasonal ecologist building on my first year of experience in ecological consulting. I enhanced my survey skills on species I am familiar with, and learnt new techniques such as how to survey dormice and carry out ecological appraisals. I wrote protected species reports and contributed to technical appendices for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). I assisted MSc student interns, training them and supervising their field work. I was also a member of the GIS mapping team.

I worked as an ecological field assistant for a leading ecological consultancy, where I carried out surveys and worked on mitigation projects for a range of different species. I supervised various works on development sites, gave toolbox talks, liaised with clients and wrote watching brief and protected species reports. I gained experience in surveying and translocation of reptiles and great crested newts. I also surveyed bats for activity, emergence from roosts and re-entry.

I spent seven months as a sea turtle conservation research assistant at a number of different sites across Costa Rica. As well as carrying out beach patrols with other research assistants, I was also responsible for training volunteers in identifying different species, tagging nesting females, taking body measurements and hatchery management operations. This gave me the opportunity to work with olive ridley, green and leatherback turtles. I also assisted in a project which looks at the spatial… Show more I spent seven months as a sea turtle conservation research assistant at a number of different sites across Costa Rica. As well as carrying out beach patrols with other research assistants, I was also responsible for training volunteers in identifying different species, tagging nesting females, taking body measurements and hatchery management operations. This gave me the opportunity to work with olive ridley, green and leatherback turtles. I also assisted in a project which looks at the spatial foraging patterns of juvenile hawksbill turtles, using acoustic telemetry tracking and stomach content analysis. In addition, I acted as a liaison between local guides and volunteers. This involved overseeing the logistics for volunteers during their time at the research station and organising activities and trips on their behalf. Show less