Education
- 2019 – present: PhD Student, London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership. University College London and Institute of Zoology
- 2018 – 2019: Environmental Science Masters by Research, Queen Mary University of London
- 2015 – 2018: Environmental Science Bachelor of Science, Queen Mary University of London
- 2012 – 2013: Environmental Science Bachelor of Science , Open University
Selected Employment
- 2020 – present: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, Independent Study Module, UCL
- 2018 – 2019: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, Geographic Information Systems, Queen Mary University of London
- 2016 – 2019: Assistant Laboratory Technician, Physical Geography Laboratories, Queen Mary University of London
- 2015 – 2016: Project Manager, University of Cambridge
Research Interests
I have enjoyed a multi-disciplinary background using fieldwork, laboratory and computational modelling techniques to assess how intertidal coastal fringe ecosystems respond to natural and human-induced pressures. I have developed an interest in conserving these environments that despite their disproportionate array of ecosystem benefits although are grossly undervalued.
Today, my interest in reef seascapes goes hand-in-hand with my current research project – in particular how humans are impacting coral reef biodiversity.
Current Research
PhD project title: A social-ecological approach to understanding the footprint of fisheries on tropical coral reef biodiversity in Fiji.
Coral reef ecosystems are facing unprecedented natural and human-induced stressors. Declines in reef fish abundance and diversity in Fiji is primarily attributed to overfishing of fish stocks, a key food source and significant staple to the Fijian economy.
My research will employ a multi-method approach to assess coral reef ecology across a gradient of human pressure, within the boundaries of associated governance frameworks.
Fish diversity, biomass and community composition will be quantified utilising stereo-video with photogrammetry used to assess habitat complexity, and interwoven with a governance analysis creating an interdisciplinary project to aid local management of inshore reef fisheries.
This project is a collaborative effort working aligning to the Biome Health Project running out of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research (CBER) whilst working with the funding partner, World Wildlife Fund UK (WWF-UK) and connecting with regional WWF offices.
Instagram @jtlrocketman
