Professional Stuff

Climate scientists are often turned to for ‘The Answers’ where, in fairness, their expertise is more likely to have been in identifying ‘The Questions’. Solutions to complex environmental issues can only come about with engagement by scientists across society: with educators, artists, writers, political advisors, business leaders, and all global citizens. I hope to use my experience in both science and communication, and skills in facilitation and coordination, to help bridge the perceived divide between science and society and kick-start some critical conversations.

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Professional Background

Publication List (PDF)

After completing a PhD at the Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry, York University, Canada (1997 -2002), I spent seven years working for the British Antarctic Survey. The first four of these were spent as a research scientist, including three summers and an over-winter at Halley Research Station, Antarctica. Stories from that time can be found here.

In 2006 I changed career direction, working in the International Programme Office of the International Polar Year 2007-8 as Education & Outreach Coordinator. Those years were a great experience for developing programmes with teachers, museums, artists, musicians, policy makers, indigenous communities and many more … from over 60 countries. I also worked very closely with international scientists from disciplines ranging from linguistics and anthropology to space physics and geology. The job required considerable travel and public speaking in order to raise awareness and engage volunteers and professional networks world-wide.

I am interested in facilitating direct connections between science/scientists and the public, with the suspicion that information and passion is lost with every degree of seperation.

Selected Examples of Public Outreach

Video: Cape Farewell, a cultural response to climate change. Andes Expedition 2009 (second video in set)

Promotional Video: Association of Polar Early Career Scientists

Co- author: ‘Polar Science and Global Climate: An International Resource for Education and Outreach’, Pearson Education Limited (Pearson Custom) 2010

Writing: November 2008 contributor to ‘Why Science Is Important’

Lecturing: Professor Harry Messel International Science School 2007: EcoScience; University of Sydney, Australia. Opening lecture (audio & video) and associated book chapter

Radio: BBC Radio 4 Saturday Live with Fiona Glover

TV: This is Turtle Island: featured scientist on children’s TV series

Print: Mail on Sunday YOU Magazine article about 2010 Chilean Tsunami