University of Oxford
11a Mansfield Rd
OX1 3SZ
UK
Background
I have always been drawn to conservation because of a fascination with the natural world and a strong belief that science should contribute to meaningful environmental change. Growing up, I was particularly interested in animal behaviour and ecology, which eventually led me towards studying Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol and now pursuing a DPhil at the University of Oxford focused on conservation-focused cryopreservation of endangered species.
What motivates me most is the intersection between science, people, and practical conservation outcomes. I’m especially interested in how scientific evidence can inform real-world decisions and policy, particularly in the context of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Alongside my academic work, I’ve worked in ecology, environmental assessment, and science communication roles, which have given me a broader perspective on the challenges of balancing conservation priorities with social and economic realities.
Outside academia, I’ve spent several years volunteering as a mammals zookeeper at Bristol Zoo, which gave me hands-on experience working closely with animals while also engaging the public in conversations about conservation.
Ultimately, I’m motivated by the idea of contributing to a more sustainable future through collaborative, applied conservation work.
Research Interests
My primary research interests centre around conservation biology, biodiversity preservation, and the application of reproductive and cryobiological technologies to species conservation. I am particularly interested in how emerging scientific techniques can support long-term biodiversity resilience and help address challenges associated with habitat loss, population decline, and genetic bottlenecks in endangered species.
I am especially interested in interdisciplinary conservation approaches that connect ecological science with policy, public engagement, and practical implementation. Increasingly, I’ve become interested in the role of evidence-based policy in driving effective conservation outcomes, particularly around issues such as biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions.
More broadly, I’m fascinated by the challenge of balancing environmental sustainability with human needs and how conservation science can contribute to a just and resilient future.
Current Research
My current research in the Williams Lab at the University of Oxford, conducted in partnership with Chester Zoo as part of the Chester Zoo Conservation Scholars programme, focuses on my project, “Improving Cryopreservation Protocols for Ovarian Tissue Across Mammalian Species.” The research aims to support biodiversity conservation by developing more effective methods for preserving genetic diversity in endangered mammals.
My work investigates species-specific responses to cryopreservation, aiming to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” approaches and develop more effective biobanking strategies for preserving genetic diversity. Through laboratory experimentation, tissue analysis, and comparative studies across taxa, I aim to contribute towards more tailored and effective cryopreservation strategies that can better support long-term species resilience and conservation efforts.
As a Chester Zoo Conservation Scholar, I am also part of a wider network focused on developing innovative, applied approaches to global biodiversity conservation, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration between academic research and practical conservation initiatives.