Subject Area
Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Activities
I am working in collaboration with the National University of Ireland (NUIG) and Marine Institute and am funded through a MI Cullen Fellowship. My research focus is using UAV’s and optical remote sensing technologies to develop a methodology for the assessment of the intertidal brown fucoid Ascophyllum nodosum. I use hyperspectral sensors to observe the variations in reflectance spectra between different species to map them. I conduct intertidal ground-truth research collecting data on species composition and biomass to support the drone surveys. I collect reflectance spectra of intertidal species and different substrates to classify hyperspectral drone data using the ENVI.
Skills
Highly proficient in ArcGIS. Have used GIS in both an academic and professional capacity (when working for the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority to to produce fishing activity and feature maps to
inform Habitat Regulations Assessments, as part of implementing Defra’s revised
approach to managing fisheries in European Marine Sites (EMS). Currently working with ArcGIS to create and display intertidal seaweed distribution maps, I frequently combine ArcGIS with software such as ENVI and Agisoft.
Experienced in the use of ENVI for the processing and analysis of remote sensing data. I also work with Agisoft to process RGB images and to create DEMs and three-dimensional models for intertidal environments.
Good technical understanding of drone operations and safe flying practices. I am familiar with the various parameters and considerations required to conduct a safe and effective drone survey of an intertidal site.
Experienced in the operation of spectroradiometers and in the processing and analysis of spectral data. I predominantly use a TriOS Hyperspectral Radiometer for my work. To process and analyse the data I work with TriOS software, Excel and Camo Unscramblr X.
Experienced scuba diver, qualified to PADI Rescue Diver - around 150 dives in both tropical and temperate waters. Frequently diving for work.
Strong macroalgal identification skills and familiarity of safe working practices within the intertidal and subtidal zone
