Joanne began her academic career at The University of Manchester where she obtained a 1^st class degree in BSc Geography. She then continued at Manchester to complete a Masters in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction and a PhD in Quaternary Science on the terrestrial and aquatic impacts of Mount Mazama 6700 years ago. While completing her PhD at the University of Manchester, she contributed to teaching at all levels, which gave the skills necessary to then take up a 6-month fixed term Lectureship at Edge Hill University in 2015. This lectureship became a permanent post and has been at Edge Hill University since and is now a Senior lecturer in Physical Geography.

Joanne has a broad interest in Quaternary Science and specially, Palaeolimnology and palaeoecology. Her research has focussed on obtaining evidence and impacts of natural hazards, specifically volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. There is ongoing research investigating hurricane occurrence in Alabama, evidence and relationship with notable periods of climate change. Research also addresses gaps in tephrochronology, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, and promotes the use of Bayesian modelling and cryptotephra analysis to refine chronologies.

Joanne also has an interest in the use of diatoms in forensic investigations and is developing research in diatom automation using machine learning to make the counting process more efficient, which is important for time sensitive investigations, as well as for other diatomists in the environmental field.

Joanne teaches across all levels on the BSc and BA Geography, BSC Physical Geography and Geology and BSc Geology with Physical Geography programmes. 

Current teaching:

-      GEO1059 Environmental Issues – module leader

-       GEO2249 Geoscience Techniques – module leader

-       GEO3249 Natural Hazards – module leader

-   GEO3251 Quaternary Environmental Change – module leader

-       GEO1058 Geographical Curiosity – Module contributor

-  GEO1057 Earth Climate and Environment – Module contributor

-  GEO1060 Contemporary Geographical Skills – Module contributor

-   GEO2256 Climate and Environmental Change – Module contributor

-       GEO2250 Geoscience Field Research – This is the 2^nd year overseas trip which I previously led (2020-2022).

-       GEO3253 Applied GIS – Module contributor

I have been involved in and lead many undergraduate and postgraduate modules covering a diverse range of topics including skills-based modules, research techniques, Natural Hazards, and Environmental Change. I have supervised ~ 150 dissertation students.  I have also been involved in many residential field courses to Cumbria, Oxford and Mallorca and lead over 30 day trips.

I organise the Geography tutorial programme to ensure there is sufficient level of academic guidance and support. Each year I have assigned tutees and I am confident in offering academic support and guidance on where to seek other types of support. I was nominated for Personal Tutor Hero of the Year in 2022.

In 2021 I organised a careers event overall several days consisting of employer workshops for students and alumni delivering talks about their journey. Employability is embedded throughout curriculum, and I organise visits and lectures from external organisations regularly to promote this further.