With my PhD supervisor, Prof Laurence Mee, at my graduation ceremony in 2008. Before his sad passing last year, Laurence was a science-policy inspiration and a profound influence on my career.

Tomorrow I start my new position as a lecturer in marine conservation at Plymouth University. Although incredibly sad to leave SAHFOS after 7 years (plus PhD), I am so excited to start my new career as a lecturer. I actually did my PhD at Plymouth University, in the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research (MarCoPol), which is where my lectureship is based. I’ll be one of the key lecturers on the new Ocean Science and Marine Conservation degree and I cannot wait to meet our students when they arrive. The new degree is amazing – our students will learn all about the application of biology, oceanography and policy to conservation. I am particularly looking forward to taking them out in the field – we are visiting the rocky shore at Mount Batten as soon as they start in October. Since this is the first year of the degree, I’m lucky to have the opportunity to actually help shape the content for my modules, and I want the students to be engaged and stimulated. This is a very different career path than that which I was on at SAHFOS and I know it will be challenging! My NERC fellowship, which supports my policy work, is coming with me to the Uni so I will continue to support the implementation of UK and EU marine policy.

Speaking of policy… I’m seeking applicants for two funded plankton and policy PhDs with me at Plymouth Uni. If you know anyone who might be interested please pass on the info.

Let’s do this!

Abigail, Plankton and Policy