About
My research focuses on mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of reproductive competition and sexual selection, particularly in mammals. I have broad interests in the fields of behavioural and evolutionary ecology relating to reproductive strategies, social behaviour and life history evolution. Multidisciplinary collaborations apply molecular and proteomics techniques to address evolutionary questions within these areas. I also collaborate with project partners on applied conservation problems.
I studied Zoology at the University of Nottingham (BSc 1986-89) and the University of Oxford (DPhil 1989-93). My research explored potential benefits of polyandry and applied molecular approaches to reveal evidence of sperm competition. I then took up postdoctoral positions at the University of Liverpool (1993-98), investigating mechanisms of post-copulatory sexual selection.
In 1998 I was appointed as a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool in the Mammalian Behaviour & Evolution Group. I have since held positions of Senior Lecturer (2004-08), Reader (2008-14) and Professor of Evolutionary Ecology (2014-present). My research has been supported with funding from NERC, BBSRC, The Leverhulme Trust, and Innovate UK. I have also held visiting fellowships at Oxford and Durham universities.
My external contributions include council and trustee roles for the Association of the Study of Animal Behaviour (Secretary of the Society, Grants Secretary, Council member), and editorial roles for the journals Evolution, Animal Behaviour, Behavioral Ecology, and Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. I have also served on multiple grant panels for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), most recently as a Chair of NERC Panel 4 (2021-2025).
Prizes or Honours
- Sir Alastair Pilkington Award (University of Liverpool, 2002)
- Recognition Award (University of Liverpool, 2002)
Funded Fellowships
- Institute of Advanced Study, Fast-Track Research Fellowship (The University of Durham, 2007)
- Visiting Research Scholarship (St John's College, University of Oxford, 2002)