Background

I studied Physical Geography and French for my undergraduate degree at Keele University and graduated with a first class BSc (Hons) in 2010. I spent a year abroad in Martinique (French overseas department) teaching English in two primary schools. I went on to study an MSc Water Science, Policy and Management at the University of Oxford in 2011. I began my PhD in peatland biogeochemistry at Queen Mary University of London in 2011, funded by Defra and a NERC. My research focused on the study of biogenic trace gas production and the interactions between the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous cycles within peatlands.

Current Research

My current work focuses on the measurement and interpretation of records of the key radiatively active greenhouse gases - CO₂, CH₄, SF₆ and N₂O - and a suite of halocarbons. I maintain the UK DECC network, composed of Ridge Hill in Herefordshire, Tacolneston in Norwich, and Bilsdale in the North Yorkshire Moors. I also help to maintain the measurement site at Mace Head, Ireland. All three UK sites make high-frequency, high-precision measurements of CO₂ and CH₄, N₂O and SF₆. In addition, the Tacolneston and Mace Head sites also make measurements of H₂, CO, and a wide range of Montreal Protocol gases (CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, Halons etc.) using an AGAGE instrument called the Medusa and a GC-MD. These are unique measurement sites as air is sampled on tall towers from heights varying between 50 and 248 metres above ground level. Results from these high-frequency measurements are used to support verification of the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory.