About me
I have been fascinated by animals all my life, having grown up very close to Chester Zoo, so decided to go on to study biology at the University of Sheffield as an undergraduate. Here, I became interested in the use of molecular genetic methods to understand animal behaviour, and for my honours project, I investigated the conservation genetics of Père David’s deer with Dr John Slate. After finishing my BSc, I worked for a year as a technician at Sheffield University, investigating plant developmental biology and genetics.
For my PhD and post-doctoral work, I turned back to Zoology and moved to the University of Cambridge to investigate the evolution of cooperative mammalian societies, working with Professors Bill Amos, Mike Cant and Tim Clutton-Brock. My work used genetic techniques to study helping and harming behaviour in the banded mongoose, a small (<2kg), African cooperatively breeding mammal and I continue my work on this species today. I also work on a variety of other mammals including pilot whales, mole-rats, Asiatic wild ass and seals, and am involved in developing molecular genetic methods. Recently, I have been turning my efforts towards using behaviour and genetics for conservation.
For my PhD and post-doctoral work, I turned back to Zoology and moved to the University of Cambridge to investigate the evolution of cooperative mammalian societies, working with Professors Bill Amos, Mike Cant and Tim Clutton-Brock. My work used genetic techniques to study helping and harming behaviour in the banded mongoose, a small (<2kg), African cooperatively breeding mammal and I continue my work on this species today. I also work on a variety of other mammals including pilot whales, mole-rats, Asiatic wild ass and seals, and am involved in developing molecular genetic methods. Recently, I have been turning my efforts towards using behaviour and genetics for conservation.