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I am a Lecturer in Statistics in the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, with a background in movement ecology and marine biology.
Educational Research My main scholarship and educational research activities are focused around the concept of statistics anxiety and how students can mitigate and overcome this. More broadly, I am interested in what makes for an effective learning environment for learning statistics, including understanding the effectiveness of statistics support at drop-in clinics. My current research avenues involve (i) assessing the landscape of statistics tuition in UK HE institutions, (ii) incorporating novel teaching strategies into statistics lectures, (iii) designing new statistics learning aids (e.g., “Statistics Shorts”), (iv) developing methods to increase retention of statistical knowledge, (v) devising novel ways to embed statistics tuition into biology practicals and assessments, and (vi) self-regulated learning. I was extremely pleased to win the 2023 UK and Ireland Mathematics and Statistics Support Networks Award for Excellence at this year’s CETL-MSOR Conference. Movement Ecology Research My primary ecological research interests lie in quantifying the drivers of individual- and population-level animal movement, behaviour, and energetics in order to predict the impact of anthropogenic disturbance and environmental change on animals and thus to derive recommendations for policy and conservation management. For my PhD research I studied at the Swansea Laboratory for Animal Movement (SLAM), Swansea University, supervised by Professor James Bull, Professor Luca Börger, Dr Thomas Stringell and Professor Rory Wilson. In my thesis I investigated the movement and behavioural ecology of seals (grey and harbour seals) in tidal stream environments, and their potential interactions with marine renewable energy (MRE) devices. To study this I deployed biologging devices on seals captured in the wild to track them in their natural habitats. Through this research I was able to provide evidence and advice to the tidal stream energy industry and policymaking authorities for regulating and licencing new developments. My previous research in this field has focused in particular on the study of marine megafauna but I am keen to apply my research across all taxa. Some of my previous projects have investigated the foraging ecology of magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and imperial cormorants (Leucocarbo atriceps), and the diving behaviour of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). I am also interested in how we can best utilise biologging equipment to maximise its potential and efficiency whilst minimizing its impact. In addition to tagging seals and seabirds, I have experience deploying biologging devices on terrestrial vertebrates, including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra). Policy and Politics I am very interested in, and enthusiastic about, all aspects of policy-making and how academic research can be appropriately translated and presented to enhance its policy impact. I have previous experience in science policy work with the Royal Society's Data team. Here I worked on several projects relating to machine learning, data governance and artificial intelligence. Alongside my current role I continue to undertake CPD activities relating to policymaking, for example as a member of the British Ecological Society Welsh Policy Group. I am passionate about British and international politics and I strive to stay up to date with, and develop an understanding of, international and national policy (including for devolved administrations). Saving Lives at Sea I am Helmsman of the Newport Lifeboat branch of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), and have previously served as crew on The Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI as an Inshore Lifeboat and All-Weather Lifeboat for 3.5 years. This role involves me being on emergency call 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to in-land water emergencies in the River Severn from Newport to Beachley. Hobbies and Interests In my spare time I like to stay active by cycling, walking, or weight lifting. I love to spend time with Leah, my wife, and our menagerie of animals (2 dogs, 3 cats, 3 horses, and 3 chickens!). I am an experienced recreational and commercial SCUBA diver, and an Advanced Instructor. I regularly teach SCUBA diving to divers in my local community. I am also a commercially endorsed skipper and an RYA Powerboating Instructor. I enjoy teaching others how to drive powerboats and stay safe at sea. Plant-based I am vegan for the sake of the animals and the environment. This means that I do not buy, consume or use any products that contain or have been prepared using animal products. I have two main justifications for this decision: Firstly, I am against all forms of animal cruelty, including the slaughter of animals; there is no humane way to kill an animal that does not wish to die, and the suffering prior to slaughter is horrific, and unnecessary. Secondly, a vegan diet is responsible for 99-102 % fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than a meat-based diet, thus being vastly more sustainable and environmentally friendly. |
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