My research focuses on investigating the mechanisms that shape the population dynamics of marine top predators. I study the links between environmental variation and population dynamics, and how populations respond to extreme fluctuations in prey abundance. I investigate why life-history strategies vary between populations of the same species, and how we can use life-history theory to reconstruct population-specific strategies when empirical data are unavailable. I am also interested in demographic compensation and the evolution of life-history characteristics. To address these topics, I use fieldwork, biochemical analysis and advanced statistical modelling. I have worked extensively on the population dynamics of temperate and polar species of seabird, as well as the life history profiles of tunas and sharks.
Contact: catrsw@gmail.com
Background
- 2020-present: Springboard Fellow; ZSL Institute of Zoology and University College London
- 2020-present: Visiting Fellow; University of Cambridge
- 2018-2020: Visiting Researcher; University of Cambridge
- 2016-2020: Research Associate; University of Glasgow
- 2014-2016: Research Ecologist; British Trust for Ornithology
- 2010-2014: PhD Population Ecology; British Antarctic Survey
University of Liverpool and University of Glasgow - 2008-2009: MSc Biosciences; University of Oxford
- 2002-2006: BSc Environmental Sciences with a year in Industry;
University of East Anglia
Editorial Board
- 2019 – present: Avian Conservation and Ecology – Subject Editor
- 2016 – present: Ibis – Associate Editor
Committee Membership
- 2014 – 2018: British Ornithologist’s Union – Engagement and Conference Committees
Grant Advisory College
- 2015 – present: British Ecological Society
