Claire is a marine biogeochemist and studies the interaction between microscopic plants known as phytoplankton and the resource environment in the surface ocean. Phytoplankton sit at the base of the food web and are critical for carbon cycling, so they are interested in how the environment controls the growth of different phytoplankton species and the consequences for marine food webs and carbon uptake.
Their interest in ocean sciences began when they were a child. Claire loved being outdoors and was curious about the environment. They spent a lot of time on the beach, exploring rock pools and collecting shells. Claire went on to study Maths, Chemistry and Biology at A-level. They chose these subjects because they enjoyed them and the teachers were great, especially their biology teacher, Mrs. Myers.
Following this, Claire studied Marine Biology with Oceanography at the University of Bangor, then completed a PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry at the University of Liverpool.
Claire then moved to the USA, undertaking a postdoctoral research role on a Women in Science and Engineering fellowship at the University of Southern California in Los Angles for 2 years. Claire then moved to the University of Hawaii for 3 years as a research specialist and was part of the Hawaii Ocean Time series programme, which involved near monthly cruises to the subtropical North Pacific.
Claire is currently a Professor of Ocean Sciences at University of Liverpool. They teach undergraduate students about the biology in the ocean and how we observe it, including during fieldwork. They supervise PhD students and conduct their own research. Claire enjoys the varied nature of the job, supporting others, teaching, participating in research cruises and developing new research ideas.
Since 2016, Claire has been leading projects in the Arctic Ocean, investigating how climate change is affecting the entire Arctic ecosystem, from plankton at the base of the food web to top predators. The work is highly collaborative, involving colleagues from Liverpool and across the UK, as well as partners in seven other countries. Claire said: ‘’There are major gaps in our understanding of how the Arctic ecosystem functions, which is frightening considering it is the most rapidly changing environment on our planet.’’
Their advice for anybody studying/working in this area is “Take opportunities, be creative and do not let the rejections put you off - keep going! The most important thing is that you find something you love doing, no matter what it is. If you find that thing, you will always do your best at it."
When asked why they are so passionate about their subject and STEMM, Claire said “I feel that I am able to contribute to gaining a fundamental understanding of how the ocean ecosystems work, which is key if we are understand how they will respond as our planet
changes. I also enjoy the diversity of my job, from teaching students in the lecture theatre, to participating in international research expeditions to the Arctic.’’ Find out more about Claire here.