I learned to scuba dive when I was 16 and thereafter became fascinated with marine life. I studied marine biology at the University of Liverpool, UK, before moving to the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, to do a PhD on the behaviour and conservation of fishes. I then moved to Australia, and have been fortunate to have held Postdoctoral Research Fellowships from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and The University of Western Australia, Perth. I am currently an ARC Future Fellow at UWA, associated with the Oceans Institute and based in the School of Biological Sciences.

A core theme of my research is to understand the evolution and function of animal colour patterns, with a particular focus on camouflage. My research is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating techniques in animal behaviour, vision science, optics, human visual psychology and computer imaging. My current project explores the problem of how to camouflage a 3D body shape (animals are thought to do this using 'countershading' patterning). I am keen to apply my research where possible, and I have collaborated with NFP organisations, as well as with the mining and defence industries.

Teaching and co-coordination:

Marine Ecology (BIOL2204)

Sex in the Sea (BIOL5504)

Teaching:

Behavioural Ecology (ANIM3365)

Field Studies in Zoology (ANIM2209)

The Darwinian Revolution (ANIM1001)

Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, UWA (2016-2018)

Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, UWA (2013-2016)

UWA Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences (2007-2013)

Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES), University of New South Wales (2005-2007).