Rebecca studied for a BA (Hons) in Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford, graduating in 2012. She then studied for a MRes at the University of St Andrews and the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences (SAMS), where she worked on a research project investigating the distribution of marine invasive species around the Isle of Man. In 2014, she started a PhD at the University of Edinburgh and SAMS in Oban looking at the impact of salinity as a management measure on marine invasive species. Her research used rapid assessment surveys and settlement panels to investigate the distribution of marine invasive species around mainland Scotland.

During her PhD, Rebecca spent three months at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology working with the House of Commons Library, which furthered her interest in environmental legislation and policy. She has also worked as a policy officer at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).

Prior to joining the Marine Planning Team, Rebecca worked as a post-doctoral researcher in the Earth Institute, University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. She supported an expert group preparing a report on expanding Marine Protected Areas in Ireland, and worked on a project modelling the spread of wild Pacific oysters and horizon invasive species.

Rebecca is a marine ecologist whose research has focused on the impact and management of marine invasive species in the UK and Ireland.

Her research interests include the management of coastal systems, the cultural value of the marine environment, and the intersection between science and policy.