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Department of Plant Sciences

 

Research group

 

Research overview

I’m interested in biodiversity conservation and informing conservation policy through research. My group uses large databases of remotely sensed data and modern computational approaches, alongside traditional field approaches to address fundamental ecological questions as well as the most pressing ecological and biodiversity loss issues. Spaceborne and airborne sensors such as LiDAR, hyperspectral and multispectral sensors collect large amounts of data which allow us to assess the impact of land-use change on carbon storage and biodiversity, and to evaluate the impact of climate change. The use of modern computational approaches such as machine learning algorithms allows us to map with evermore precision species distributions and estimate carbon storage in various landscapes, a key factor in determining the potential of forests as a nature-based solution to climate change.
 

School of Biological Sciences theme affiliations

 

Previous positions

1997-2020 Science Researcher, Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
1994-1997 Postdoctoral Researcher,  Imperial College London
 

Qualifications

1991-1995 PhD titled The Effects of Root Competition on Saplings and Seedlings in Amazonian Caatinga Forest in Southern Venezuela, University of Cambridge
 
 

Key publications

 
 

All publications

Conservation Research Institute Director
Head of Forest Ecology and Conservation Group
Professor David  Coomes

Contact Details

Email address: 
David Attenborough Building,
Pembroke Street,
Cambridge,
CB2 3QZ
01223 333911