Dr Nicola Weber
Senior Lecturer in Marine Ecology and Conservation
N.L.Weber2@exeter.ac.uk
01326 255256
Stella Turk Building B046 L05
University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE
Overview
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Marine & Environmental Biology, University of St Andrews (2007)
MSc Conservation & Biodiversity, University of Exeter (2008)
PhD Biological Sciences, Quantifying contact rates and space use in the Eurasian bager (Meles meles): Implications for the transmission of bovine tuberculosis, University of Exeter (2011)
ASPIRE Fellowship/ Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2019)
Career
Senior Lecturer, University of Exeter (2022 - present)
Lecturer, University of Exeter (2019 - 2022)
Associate Lecturer, University of Exeter (2017-2019)
Conservation Advisor, UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (2017 - 2019)
Head of Conservation, Ascension Island Government (2013-2016)
Darwin Post-Doctoral Researcher (2012-2013) Developing and Implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan for Ascension Island
OTEP Post-Doctoral Researcher (2011-2012): Status Assessment of Marine Turtles on Ascension Island
Research group links
Research
Research interests
I am an ecologist with a varied background having studied seals, birds and badgers in the UK, and sea turtles, seabirds, land crabs and invasive species on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. I enjoy carrying out research that has practical applications, in particular for biodiversity conservation, and have been involved in the drafting and implementation of biodiversity action plans and legislation to underpin change. I have current research interests in marine management and conservation, island ecology, and am involved with projects in the UK’s Overseas Territories, which support over 90% of the UK’s unique biodiversity. I am also interested in the communication of science and the role of citizen science.
Research projects
Grant Funded Research Projects
Current:
A Marine Turtle Action Plan for Montserrat (2020 - 2023). Project Leader. Darwin Initiative Funded
Climate Resiliance and Conservation of Ascension's Biodiversity (2020 - 2022). Darwin Initiative Funded
Completed:
Tracking Marine Megafauna at Ascension Island: towards evidence-based 'blue belts' (2016 - 2018). Project Leader. Darwin Initiative Funded
Mapping Ascension Island's Terrestrial Ecosystem (2015 - 2016). Project Leader. Darwin Initiative Funded
Taxonomic and conservation status of Oceanodroma storm petrels in the South Atlantic (2014 - 2015). Darwin Initiative Funded
Ascension Island Marine Sustainability (AIMS) - a fisheries and marine biodiversity project (2014 - 2016). Project Leader. Darwin Initiative Funded
Operation Land Crab: Supporting the conservation of the land crab on Ascension Island (2013 - 2015). Project Leader. Flora and Fauna International Flagship Species Funded
Implementing a Darwin Initiative Biodiversity Action Plan for Ascension Island (2012 - 2015) Post-Doctoral Researcher. Darwin Initiative Funded
Status Assessment of Marine Turtles on Ascension Island (2011 - 2012) Post-Doctoral Researcher. OTEP Funded
Publications
Journal articles
Chapters
External Engagement and Impact
Senior Research Fellow: South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute
Teaching
Biodiversity and conservation, spanning the marine realm through to terrestrial island ecology, including the effects and management of invasive species.Programme Director for Professional Placement degree in Biosciences, Penryn.
Module lead for:
Modules
2023/24
- BIO2406 - Biodiversity and Conservation
- BIO2432 - Exploitation of the Sea
- BIO2454 - Bio Penryn 2nd Year Field Course
- BIO2460 - South West Field Course
- BIO3411 - Science in Society
- LES2400 - Introduction to Professional Placements
Office Hours:
Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am - 11am.
I am happy meet at other times on days when available.
**Please note that I have moved and am now in the Stella Turk Building and not DDM**