I am currently the general site technician for the Marine Laboratory, having recently returned to the role following a 3 year secondment to the Interreg funded EnAlgae project. This project focussed around the potential use of algae for biofuels, and required the cultivation of kelp species L. digitata, S. latissima and A. esculenta in our lab based hatchery, followed by deployment to longlines in Strangford Lough. This project funded the construction of a seaweed hatchery facility on site at QML, where a further grant has already been secured for cultivation research.

My work involves maintenance of the seawater system on site, taking part in boat and diving fieldwork, and assisting in student and postdoctoral research across a wide range of marine related themes.

I have a particular interest in the cultivation of native kelp species and the improvement of hatchery, deployment, maintenance and harvesting of seaweeds in hatchery and sea farm environments.

I also have experience in working with a wide variety of local marine species, and have assisted with recent projects in invasive ecology, maintenance of mosquito colonies, in seal rehabilitation and marine sampling work.

RYA Advanced Powerboat Driver with Professional Registration at Powerboat Level 2

HSE PtIV Scientific Diver and supervisor

Green Champion for Queen's Marine Lab, securing Green Fund grants towards funding and marine outreach work in 2018/19.

I am actively involved in the supervision of work experience students to Queen's Marine Lab, as well as in the instruction of scientific techniques to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

I am heavily invested in making Queen's Marine Lab a more sustainable and green environment for our students and staff to work in. The lab has achieved Gold and Platinum level Green Impact awards, and we actively engage with the local community in which we are based, carrying out Open Days and a Marine Outreach club for teenagers with an interest in marine science.