Case studies: Community ecologist, Biological Records Centre: Helen

Find out how the study and experience Helen gained in ecology also helped to develop additional skills such as teaching and researching.

Helen started her career with a degree in Biology at Southampton University where she specialised in Ecology. She then took a Master’s degree in Environmental Science: Measurement, Modelling and Analysis at Nottingham University, which included a six-month research project, before specialising further with a PhD in Community Ecology.

My PhD was based at Rothamsted Research (in collaboration with Nottingham University) where I studied the interactions between insects that feed on aphids and how this information can be applied to biocontrol.

Following my PhD I took up a lectureship at Anglia Ruskin University which is quite unusual since most researchers would generally need to have some postdoctoral experience before securing a permanent lectureship. Anglia Ruskin University provided a fantastic environment in which to develop my research career while gaining teaching experience.  High quality teaching was paramount and I enjoyed this part of my work very much, especially opportunities for contributing to field courses. During this time I developed lots of collaborations with researchers and volunteer groups to develop and extend my research and was promoted to reader, before leaving after ten years, to take up my current post with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

I enjoyed my university post greatly, but my current job is perfect for me. I lead zoological research within the Biological Records Centre and have been able to develop my research further, working as part of a larger research group while retaining opportunities for teaching as a visiting university lecturer. During the time I was employed as a lecturer I took on a volunteer role as co-leader of the UK Ladybird Survey. Ladybirds have been an interest of mine since childhood and this role enabled me to get involved with volunteer initiatives and provided a perfect way of indulging my passion for science communication. Much of my research focuses on insect ecology and using long-term large-scale datasets to look at changes in the distribution of invasive non-native species.

In addition to this, I coordinate the zoological side of the Biological Records Centre’s work with the volunteer-led schemes and societies. My work is extremely varied but includes analysis and interpretation of data, communicating research findings to other scientists, policy-makers and the public, reviewing peer-reviewed publications and funding grants.

My advice for anyone considering a long-term ecology career is to take every opportunity to collaborate with others. This might be through volunteering in the early part of your career as a student, but will enable you to build your confidence, gain new skills and understand what it is you want to do. Joining societies also gives you ways to develop professionally and feel part of a community of like-minded people. You can even contribute to their newsletters if you have something interesting to write about, perhaps about your undergraduate or Master’s degree research projects.