Can you tell us a bit about your career?
I am a marine biogeochemist and study 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.
My interest in ocean sciences began when I was a child. I loved being outdoors and was curious about the environment. I also spent a lot of time on the beach, exploring rock pools and collecting shells. In School I went on to study Maths, Chemistry and Biology at A-leve, choosing these subjects because I enjoyed them and the teachers were great, especially my biology teacher, Mrs. Myers.
Following this, I studied Marine Biology with Oceanography at the University of Bangor, then completed a PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry at the University of Liverpool.
After this I 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. I 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.
Currently, I am a Professor of Ocean Sciences at University of Liverpool, where I teach undergraduate students about the biology in the ocean and how we observe it, including during fieldwork. I supervise PhD students and conduct my own research. I enjoy the varied nature of the job, supporting others, teaching, participating in research cruises and developing new research ideas.
Since 2016, I have 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. 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.’
Do you have any advice you'd like to share?
My advice for anybody studying/working in this area is to 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.
Why are you so passionate about your subject?
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.