My research interests relate to GIS, geomorphology and sedimentology. I have a background in hydrology assessments, bedrock rivers, sediment transport (including long-term source to sink studies and quantification of erosion rates) and river hydraulics.

Overall, my research is focused on how rivers catchment (alluvial, mixed-bedrock alluvial and bedrock rivers) and the wider landscape develop over geological time to the present day, a key area of research is related to how sediment (and associated pollutants such as nitrates/ phosphates and microplastics) move through these systems, understanding the source areas, the transfer routes and the depositional zones (sediment budgets). This research incorporates fieldwork and laboratory work (water quality, isotope analysis, geochemical analysis, dating techniques etc.) to understand rates of sediment erosion and landform development. Soil erosion modelling is also used to understand how these rates may vary with a changing climate and to prioritise management decisions by investigating the expected reduction in sediment yield. Wider modelling work relates to understanding hydraulics and hydrology of catchments, to understand how water moves through the network and how these impacts sediment transport rates. Modelling and data collected through fieldwork allow for the prioritisation of different natural flood management (nature-based solutions) options for different catchments to reduce sediment flux. Wider societal, environmental and economic benefits relate to reducing flood risk, improving ecology and reducing water treatment costs. My research has direct applications to catchment stakeholders and I am a member of local catchment partnerships, working towards a cleaner and better environment.  

Another theme of my research is focused on long-term geological landscape development, my PhD research focused on constraining landscape development of a large fluvial system in the Western Cape, South Africa. I am currently researching how climatic and tectonic signals are shown in Gondwanan landscapes such as South Africa and how bedrock erosion contributes to river development of the River Rheidol, Wales over the Quaternary. 

I have completed a NERC funded 'Industrial Mobility Fellowship', in which I worked closely with Yorkshire Water to use high resolution satellite imagery and GIS to map sediment sources and pathways within the River Derwent, Yorkshire. Work with Yorkshire Water has also looked at the impact of Signal Crayfish on the sediment budget of the River Derwent, Yorkshire. I have also completed a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship which integrated recent advances in sedimentology to catchment decision making processes. 

Current projects:

• River Nene Catchment: National Environment Isotope Facility funding in collaboration with colleagues from University of Lincoln and Loughborough University to understand how where sediment is sourced within the River Nene Catchment, Northampton. The project is investigating if isotope analysis can be applied to help distinguish between different sources of sediment within the catchment such as soil erosion and bank erosion caused by the invasive non-native species Signal Crayfish. This information will be used in conjunction with modelling to understand where management within the catchment is required. 
• British Society of Geomorphology funding in collaboration with colleagues from Oxford University, Anglia Ruskin University, Royal Agricultural University and the University of Gloucestershire to showcase the importance of sediment to farmer and landowner organisations. This project builds on a ‘Sediment matters’ NERC funded Knowledge Exchange Fellowship.  
• Tawd Valley, Skelmersdale in collaboration with the Parks and Countryside Rangers Service of West Lancashire County Council, we are investigating the source of fine-grained sediment within the River Tawd and are modelling different management options.  

Completed Projects:

1) Sediment matters - using recent advances to unlock effective catchment decision-making 

The fellowship demonstrated how NERC science is being used in practical applications in catchment management. The work included: 1) understanding what information is needed for practitioners to make decisions and the gaps that could be filled by NERC Science, 2) collating information on the costs associated with sediment, 3) demonstrating how earth observation (e.g., satellite) data can be used by practitioners, 4) secondments into organisations to rapidly embed NERC science into current and future projects, and 5) a community of practice, which  allowed NERC researchers and practitioners to have a forum to discuss the latest research, best practice and shared challenges. During my fellowship I worked with a range of organisations including, but not limited to the Environment Agency, Natural England, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ricardo Energy and Environment. All outputs were be co-designed to ensure maximum impact and reach. The main impacts from this fellowship will be knowledge exchange across a wide range of sectors ensuring NERC science is embedded into cost-effective catchment management decisions, strengthened business cases, increased landowner engagement, and long-lasting networks.

I am the module leader for the following modules:

• Sedimentology
• Earth History
• Dynamic Earth

I contribute to teaching on:

• Rivers Past, Present and Future
• Flood Hazard and Management 
• Environmental Issues