Fieldwork

Fieldwork is where I thrive

There is nowhere I feel more motivated than working in the field, fully immersed in the natural world and focused on a shared research goal. I enjoy the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of ecological research, where success depends on adaptability, organisation and collaboration. Throughout my research career, I have independently planned, coordinated and delivered international field campaigns in Panama, overseeing everything from logistics, equipment preparation and budgeting to obtaining permits, engaging with stakeholders and delivering research safely, efficiently and to a high scientific standard.

Working long and physically demanding days in remote environments, across varied weather conditions and unconventional schedules is where I feel most at home. I enjoy being in an environment where each day presents new challenges and achieving a shared research goal depends on resilience, determination and teamwork. There is something uniquely rewarding about overcoming obstacles as they arise and knowing that, whatever the conditions, the project will be delivered.

For me, fieldwork brings together everything I enjoy most about science. It combines practical problem-solving, logistical planning, physical work and collaboration in a way that continually motivates me. While experience has refined these skills, I quickly realised that this environment felt instinctive. I enjoy taking ownership of projects, finding solutions under pressure and working with others to achieve ambitious research goals. There is no greater satisfaction than ending a demanding day in the field knowing that meaningful progress has been made.

Planning and Delivering Field Research

Successful field research begins long before arriving in the field. I enjoy transforming research ideas into well-planned field programmes, balancing scientific objectives with logistics, budgets, stakeholder engagement and practical constraints. From international travel and permits to equipment preparation and field coordination, I enjoy bringing every element together to deliver ambitious research projects.

Project Design & Planning

International field campaigns
Logistics and transport
Risk assessment
Permits and compliance

Field Operations

Equipment management
Sample coordination
Field team collaborations
Budget management

Collaboration

Local communities
Stakeholder engagement
Conservation organisations
Multidisciplinary teams

Research Delivery

Ecological surveys
Biological sampling
Data collection
Contamination-controlled protocols

Problem Solving

Adapting to field conditions
Practical decision making
Remote field operations
Contingency planning

Working Environments

Marine ecosystems
Night patrols
Remote field sites
Tropical rainforest

Field Experience Across Ecosystems:

Panama – Independent International Field Campaigns

During my PhD, I independently planned and coordinated multiple international field campaigns investigating contaminant transfer in olive ridley sea turtles. Working alongside local conservation organisations, government agencies and community stakeholders, I managed logistics, permits, equipment, budgets and sampling operations while conducting research on remote nesting beaches. These expeditions combined ecological research with practical conservation and reinforced my ability to adapt to challenging field conditions while delivering ambitious research objectives.

Spain – Marine Wildlife Research

Working with the Oceanogràfic Foundation in Valencia, I investigated the systemic distribution of microplastics in stranded loggerhead sea turtles. This collaboration provided experience in wildlife pathology, biological sampling and multidisciplinary research, complementing my field-based ecological research with laboratory and analytical techniques.

Costa Rica – Tropical Rainforest Ecology

As part of my Undergraduate research, I designed and conducted behavioural ecology experiments on strawberry poison dart frogs within Costa Rica's tropical rainforest. This project involved independently organising fieldwork, adapting experimental protocols to dynamic field conditions and collecting behavioural data in a challenging tropical environment. It was here that I discovered how much I enjoyed combining ecological research with immersive fieldwork.

Teaching & Mentoring

Alongside my research, I have taught biodiversity field courses in Manchester and Scotland, supporting students in developing practical ecological skills and confidence in the field. Teaching has strengthened my communication, leadership and mentoring abilities, and I particularly enjoy helping others develop the practical skills needed to conduct ecological research safely and effectively.

Fieldwork has taught me that successful research depends as much on people, preparation and perseverance as it does on scientific methods. It remains the part of my career where I feel most motivated, challenged and fulfilled. The greatest privilege of fieldwork has been the opportunity to live and work alongside people who share a deep commitment to protecting the natural world. Those experiences have broadened my perspective, challenged me to grow both professionally and personally, and reinforced my belief that lasting conservation is built through collaboration, trust and shared purpose.

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