Understanding the diversity of the natural world
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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.
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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.
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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
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Throughout my career, my work has received recognition from academic colleagues, including:
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The Linnean Society of London's
(2025)
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(2024)
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Runner-up for the Royal Entomological Society's Alfred Russel Wallace Award
(2023)​​
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The University of Edinburgh Evolutionary Biology Class Medal and Ashworth Prize
(2017)
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The Zoological Society of London's
Prince Philip Medal
(2014)
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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​​
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Scientists have a deep responsibility to communicate ideas, and advance our collective knowledge and understanding.
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Science is one of Man's greatest achievements, and it belongs to everyone.
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I am passionate about education, and have delivered talks, lectures, and workshops aimed at varied audience groups, from the general public to professional researchers.​
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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.