Freshwater systems, water quality and aquatic ecology

My research began in lakes and rivers, working across water chemistry, pollution, hydrology and aquatic ecology. I examine how catchment pressures, climate and ecological processes interact to shape freshwater condition.
I combine field and laboratory evidence with spatial data, statistical analysis & modelling to understand environmental change and support practical monitoring, management and adaptation. This foundation continues to shape my work on pollution, climate risk and environmental AMR.
Community monitoring of river health and biodiversity
I co-authored this practical guide to support communities in monitoring the health of their rivers and the biodiversity they sustain.
The guide brings together traditional and local knowledge with accessible scientific approaches. It includes methods for observing changes in river condition, monitoring small aquatic animals, carrying out simple water-quality tests, assessing fish health and abundance, and recording plants and wildlife in and around the river.
The aim is not to impose a single monitoring system, but to help communities select and adapt methods to their own priorities, knowledge, resources & local conditions—supporting them to establish baselines, detect change, identify potential hazards and communicate evidence to community leaders, environmental organisations and public authorities.
Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, University of Oxford; Forest Peoples Programme; Transformative Pathways · 2025
Skills
Methods and capabilities
Freshwater science
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Water-quality and hydrochemical assessment
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River, lake, pond and catchment monitoring
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Eutrophication, pollution and ecological-condition assessment
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Freshwater phytoplankton and zooplankton identification
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Aquatic biodiversity and community-based river monitoring
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Field and laboratory study design, sampling and quality control
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Compound, stereo, fluorescence and confocal microscopy
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Experience with electron microscopy and selected molecular methods
Analysis and modelling
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Catchment-scale water-quality modelling
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Statistical and exploratory data analysis
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Geospatial analysis and environmental data integration
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Climate-impact and adaptation assessment
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Data-quality, uncertainty and limitation assessment
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Reproducible analytical workflows
Research delivery
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Fieldwork and laboratory management
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Participatory and locally adaptable monitoring design
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Team leadership and project coordination
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Stakeholder, community and public engagement
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Scientific writing, guidance and communication
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Teaching, supervision and practical training