I am a research assistant at SAMS, focusing mainly on marine phytoplankton taxonomy and microbial dynamics. My specialist field is in the identification of a select group of flagellates called Choanoflagellates. Normally my work involves analysis of marine water samples from around the world, identifying and enumerating bacteria and phytoplankton and calculating their biomass within the sampled waters. Population numbers and biomass can then be related to the carbon and nitrogen cycling as well as physical ocean dynamics. Over the years I have become more focused on Arctic phytoplankton and the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on their community structure.

I have a variety of skills which I have developed through my time at SAMS including microscopy (including inverted, confocal and electron microscopy), flow-cytometry, algal culturing and radio-isotope analysis for both bacterial and primary production.

As a research assistant I manage three support scientists ensuring their outputs are successful and I see that their development needs are met.

I am a laboratory manager for three areas: histology, microscopy and electron microscopy. This involves running efficient labs that meet all the health and safety requirements.

I assist with a variety of commercial contracts and I also take part in our outreach programme with local schools and events to promote SAMS science and inspire the next generation of scientists.

I spend part of my time working in the field, occasionally at research stations but mostly at sea on research ships. The field work is usually based locally but every few years I get to work out in the open ocean, mostly the Celtic sea, Atlantic and the Arctic oceans.