Now & then
Since 2006: Co-founder & Director of SciConnect Ltd
Since 2022: Professor of Ocean Exploration and Science Communication, University of Southampton, UK
Academic posts:
2017-2022: Associate Professor in Ocean Exploration and Public Engagement, University of Southampton
2007-2017: Lecturer, then Senior Lecturer, in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
2000-2007: Teaching Fellow, then Senior Teaching Fellow, in Marine Ecology, University of Southampton
Science communication & journalism:
Since 2019: Author of popular-science books (e.g. Deep Sea: 10 Things You Should Know)
Since 2015: Science adviser for natural history documentaries (e.g. BBC Blue Planet II & Blue Planet III)
Since 2010: Science adviser for eco-thrillers and science-fiction series (e.g. The Swarm & The Deep)
2000-2007: Freelance science journalist writing for publications including New Scientist & Nature
1998-1999: Intern, then Reporter, then Assistant News Editor at New Scientist magazine
Other:
2021-2027: Advisory Board member for the global Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI)
2014-2022: Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum, London
2011-2012: National Geographic Explorer
2010-2012: Co-Chair of the InterRidge initiative for international cooperation in research at mid-ocean ridges
2000-2003: Science Co-ordinator of the UK Autosub Under Ice (AUI) research programme
1997-1998: Research Assistant, UK Deep Ocean Benthic Boundary (BENBO) project
1994-1996: Research Assistant, British Mid-Ocean Ridge Initiative (BRIDGE) project
1992-1993: Quality Control Technician, Taunton Cider plc
1990: Co-ordinator at the Gulf Support Group, a telephone helpline for relatives of ~4000 British people caught up in Iraq's invasion of Kuwait (including my sister, who was a passenger on British Airways flight 149 that landed there to refuel)
Education:
1994-1998: PhD in Oceanography, University of Southampton
• thesis title: "Ecology of deep-sea hydrothermal vents", supervised by Prof Paul Tyler
1993-1994: MSc in Oceanography, University of Southampton
• awarded the John Raymont Memorial Prize for top performance on degree
1989-1992: BSc(Hons) in Zoology, University of Sheffield
• awarded the JD Jones Prize for top performance on degree
