Emma is a field
biologist and marine mammal scientist. She
graduated from the University of Plymouth in
2004 with a B.Sc. honours degree in Marine
Biology. This course provided a broad
understanding of the biology of the marine
environment and developed skills in data
collection in both the lab and in the field,
statistical analysis and report writing.
Emma worked at the Centre for Whale Research
on San Juan island after her degree and was
involved in the photo-identification of a
resident community of Orcas and the
collection of behavioural and environmental
data predominantly for orcas, but also, when
the opportunity arose data was
collected for minkes, greys and humpbacks.
Emma has also worked at
the sea life sanctuary at Hunstanton,
Norfolk where she designed a penguin
enrichment study which she successfully
implemented and distributed to zoos and
sanctuaries across Europe. In addition work
at the sanctuary involved seal rescue
rehabilitation and release, and the delivery
of educational presentations to the public.
In the autumn of 2006 Emma completed an
M.Sc. in Marine Mammal Science at the
University of Wales Bangor where she further
developed her skills in bioacoustics, survey
techniques, remote sensing, behavioural
ecology, conservation biology, anthropogenic
impacts, strandings and pathology. As part
of her Masters degree and in collaboration
with the Centre for Whale Research Emma has
written a thesis investigating the social
networks and associations of the Southern
Resident Orcas outside of the matriline.
Throughout her working
life Emma has been interested in the natural
environment and has developed a keen
interest in wildlife photography which has
resulted in the establishment of an on line
photographic studio. She is also comfortable
at sea on a variety of boats and is
competent and qualified to drive small
power boats.
