I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) in Earth Science. My undergraduate dissertation was completed within the Glasgow Molecular Organic Geochemistry Laboratory (G-MOL) under the supervision of Dr. James Bendle. The aim of the project was to elucidate the palaeoenvironment of Wilkes Land, Antarctica during the Early Eocene (c. 56-48 million years ago) using terrestrial-derived biomarkers, specifically bacterial hopanes and higher plant n-alkanes. I was also awarded two undergraduate bursaries (Carnegie Trust and NERC UK-IODP) during this interval and spent 12 further weeks working within G-MOL.

My PhD was completed within the Organic Geochemistry Unit at the University of Bristol under the supervision of Professor Rich Pancost. The aim of my thesis was to assess the key drivers of long-term Eocene cooling using a biomarker approach (Title: ‘From Greenhouse to Icehouse: reconstructing temperature change during the Eocene using a biomarker approach’). In particular, I focused upon the application of glycerol ether lipids in the marine and terrestrial realm. This was part of a larger NERC-funded project entitled ‘Descent into the Icehouse’ and involved researchers from Bristol, Southampton (NOC), Cardiff and Imperial.

I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the OGU working on the ERC-funded T-GRES project (the Terrestrial Greenhouse Earth System; see below for more details). The goal of T-GRES is to develop a better understanding of i) continental temperatures; ii) precipitation and the global hydrological regime; and iii) terrestrial biogeochemical processes (with an emphasis on carbon and methane cycling) during the early Eocene.