Understanding the diversity of the natural world
The natural world is both
incredibly complex and richly varied.
My research work seeks to understand the origins of biological diversity, the processes that maintain it, and its implications in a changing climate.
I have a particularly enduring fascination for butterflies and moths. These insects are remarkably diverse in their physical structure and habits, combining a striking aesthetic beauty with a myriad of elegant solutions to surviving an inhospitable world.
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I read evolutionary biology at the University of Edinburgh, graduating first in my class in 2017.
I continued with a PhD at Edinburgh, joining the Phenoweb Group, supervised by Ally Phillimore and Jarrod Hadfield.
Graduating in 2023, my thesis on the phenology of woodland food-chains received national recognition as outstanding.
Awards and Honours
Throughout my career, my work has received recognition from academic colleagues, including:
The Linnean Society of London's
(2025)
(2024)
Runner-up for the Royal Entomological Society's Alfred Russel Wallace Award
(2023)
The University of Edinburgh Evolutionary Biology Class Medal and Ashworth Prize
(2017)
The Zoological Society of London's
Prince Philip Medal
(2014)
For a full list, click here
For contributions to zoology.
Receiving the John C Marsden Medal from outgoing President, Professor Anjali Goswami.
For the best PhD thesis in biology completed at a British University.
For contributions to zoology.
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Scientists have a duty to inform and educate
Scientists have a deep responsibility to communicate ideas, and advance our collective knowledge and understanding.
Science is one of Man's greatest achievements, and it belongs to everyone.
I am passionate about education, and have delivered talks, lectures, and workshops aimed at varied audience groups, from the general public to professional researchers.
Equally important is contributing to a healthy scientific community. I engage extensively as a peer reviewer of research and am actively involved in scientific and learned societies.