Communicating with passion, humour and care
I speak with passion about our planet’s health to audiences from schools to national media. I’ve taught young people how we know what we know about the environment with hands-on sensor workshops, I’ve presented my findings in Parliaments across Europe, and I’ve represented universities and major charities in print, on radio and on TV.
Case studies
Making young people citizen scientists
Climate and environment are key to modern curriculums across Europe. In 2024, I worked with schools in Waterford, Ireland to co-design healthier walking routes with teenagers. We used air quality monitors to map the air around their schools, and gathered their insights on how nice, polluted and safe different areas of the city are to walk. The young people took ownership of the maps, driving their use in their schools through assemblies and other efforts.
Turning research into media reach
Environmental research can be controversial in the current media climate. During the Covid pandemic, I led a study showing changes to air pollution due to falling traffic levels in Scotland. This received media interest as it showed that PM2.5 didn’t decrease (though NO2 did). I was invited on TalkRadio (a non-sympathetic outlet) to discuss these findings, making it clear that green action is more necessary than ever.
Helping politicians use science for good
Turning science into policy is challenging, as complex results can be hard to fit into contemporary political culture. During the debate on Scotland’s ban on smoking in cars with children, I briefed MSPs directly and developed explainers showing the need to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. My briefings were quoted extensively during the stage 3 debate in the Parliament, and the legislation was passed.