Research: algae, photosynthesis &: giant tortoises
Current position
Since October 2008 I have been working as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Oxford (view my departmental profile). My research is on the evolution in marine algae of carbon concentrating mechanisms for photosynthesis and their effects on algal physiology. This is part of a biology focused interdisciplinary project based in the Department of Earth Sciences
PhD research
My PhD research, at the University of Manchester, was on the molecular biology of plant photosynthesis (the capture of energy from sunlight by splitting water into protons, electrons and oxygen). Specifically, I studied the presence and function of different versions (isoforms) of the ferredoxin NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNR) enzyme that catalyses the final electron transfer step in photosynthesis.
Natural history and giant tortoises
I have a life-long passion for nature. As well as the many animals and plants I keep at home, I have studied nature academically and as a hobby. I have published research on the evolutionary connection between giant tortoises and seed ecology of native trees in Mauritius (2007, Journal of African Ecology, issue 46, pages 217-219; read here) and have spent two periods on Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles studying giant tortoises. Back in 1999/2000, I designed a giant tortoise breeding facility for the Marine Parks Authority in Seychelles - my project there was covered in a Geographical magazine article (read here).
