Meet THE CREW

Dr Neil Phillips

Project’s Principal Investigator (PI)

Neil has over 20 years of expertise in the implementation of unconventional bioengineering solutions. Co-PI on Horizon 2020 project to commercialise biosensing platform for environmental monitoring. He has worked on the design and manufacture of bioreactors.

Dr Amy Smart

Effect of climate change on gas emissions

Amy is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Volatile Interactions, University of Copenhagen. Her current research interests are the effect of climate change on volatile organic compounds and gasses emitted by plants.

Prof Norman ratcliffe

Professor of Material and Sensor Sciences

Norman has over 30 years of experience in gas/volatile analysis research, specialising in agri-food and medical industry. Developed the world’s first electronic nose system for quality control of ham and the first volatile organic compound (VOC) quality control system for monitoring stored vegetables.

Dr Ben de Lacy Costello

Measurement/analysis of greenhouse gases

Ben has over 25 years of experience in gas analysis, including the production of gas sensors and sensor array systems for volatile detection. He works on projects with sustainable air travel and sustainable farming, where he measures and reduces methane emissions.

Dr Sarah Ayling

Project lead on sustainable biomass sources

Sarah is a plant physiologist with over 40 years of experience. She has dedicated her research to studying the impact of environmental conditions on plants, including trees, in the UK, US, and Australia. She manages an area of willow short rotation coppice on the Somerset Levels. She is passionate about environmental education and for many years ran a Wildlife Watch group for children and organises events for Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Prof Jona Razzaque

Professor of Environmental Law

Jona is an expert on environmental laws and policies. She serves as a member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law. Her work on biodiversity conservation acknowledges that achieving a sustainable economy will require fundamental reforms to economic and financial systems.

Anthony Plumridge

Economist

Anthony has over 25 years of experience in cost-benefit analysis and a background in social return on investment and carbon accounting. He has expertise in predicting the worldwide economic consequences associated with project implementation.

PROF EMMA WEITKAMP

Professor in Science Communication

Emma’s research interests explore narrative in science communication, considering the actors working in both arts and media. While working on the Drought Risk and You project she explored people’s relationship with water in a changing climate. Current projects include COALESCE, an EU funded project to develop a competence centre in science communication.

Dr Tom Draper

Chemical analysis

Tom is an exceptional chemist with a vast array of expertise spanning nanotechnology, molecular biology, and molecular computing. With over 10 years of experience working on diverse research projects, Tom brings invaluable knowledge and dedication to our team. His passion for chemical analysis and innovative solutions contributes greatly to our mission.  

Dr Richard Hatfield

Macroeconomics

Richard specialises in economic analysis and business finance. His research interests include international macroeconomics, macro-finance, banking microeconomics and regulation, and market microeconomics, and he employs a wide range of modern econometric tools in his work. Furthermore, he is adept at working in difficult situations including conflict and challenges that necessitate awareness of the various tensions and views, as well as identifying solutions to finding ways to progress to a satisfactory outcome.

Dr Todd Lewis

Ecologist

Todd has more than 20 years of experience as a practical ecologist researching relationships between plants, animals, and their environment. His research interests include ecology, population dynamics, applied conservation, and model-based biostatistics. He has taught for an environmental charity, managed a bio-station in the tropics, and performed consultancy for universities, statutory authorities, and NGOs globally.

Dr Kate Matheson

Small islands and social identity

Kate has spent over 20 years studying social policies and community identities. Her research includes the Falkland Islands and other UK overseas territories. She has worked in a number of UK and OT environments, delivering community consultation and research on a range of social policy issues, most recently around COVID, quarantine and social control. She is actively involved in the Global Britain research agenda, and has recently published on the role of the UKOTs in UK environmental security.

DR dAniel Cole

Mechanical properties of composite ice

Dan is passionate about measuring and analysing material mechanical properties. Dr. Cole has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a PhD in regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles, and management experience from running an engineering company. He brings a valuable perspective to our team with his expertise in mechanical testing and dedication to understanding the unique properties of composite ice.

NICOLE LIZARDO

Mechanical testing of composite ice

Nicole is an intern measuring the mechanical properties of composite ice. An engineer who recently completed a BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of the West of England. With her passion for structural engineering, she is keen to pursue a rewarding career in this field.

Dr ANDREW GEARY

Geoscience issues

Andy is a practical geoscientist with over 30 years of experience studying our planet. He has extensive knowledge of field monitoring, climate change, and geological research gained in a variety of environments ranging from deep oceans to peatlands. The work is being done in the educational, research, and commercial sectors.

Samuel Scott

Computer simulation/game development

Sam has worked on the development of the computer simulation/game of the Freezing Global Warming concept, in which players combat climate change by storing carbon in composite icebergs. During the simulation, players interact with the environment by planting tree in various geographic locations, transporting the timber, and manufacturing the composite icebergs. Sam recently earned a Master’s degree in Commercial Game Development. With a passion for games development, he is keen to pursue a rewarding career in this field.

William Foord

Environmental Impact Assessment

William is an intern working on the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment. Recently completed an MSc in Environmental Management at the University of the West of England, Will holds an undergraduate degree in Physical Geography from the University of Portsmouth, UK. With a passion for preserving the environment, he adds another perspective to our team.

Aleks Peliushkevich

Infographics Designer

Aleks is a professional scientist with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science and a passion for science communication. She is enthusiastic about translating complex scientific concepts in easily understandable and accessible ways. Currently, she is enhancing her expertise by pursuing an MSc in Science Communication at the University of the West of England.