Dr Lucy Hawkes

About me:

I am a physiological ecologist, whose work focuses on the costs and drivers of migration in animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) using emergent technologists such as satellite telemetry, heart rate logging, accelerometry and metabolic rate measurements. I use technical approaches including biologging, spatial ecology, remote sensing and respirometry to make empirical measurements that help in the understanding of amazing migratory performances. My work has also investigated the impact of external forcing factors, such as climate change and disease ecology on migration and breeding ecology.

My work in the Red Sea with OceanX was featured on BBC Why Sharks Attack on 18th July 2023, where I shared my passion for shark conservation and highlighted their worrying conservation status. You can see more of my published scientific research here.

Interests:

My research centres on animal migration. As well as drawing much popular attention, animal migration is an ideal opportunity to look at the fundamental biology of many organisms since they experience extremes of both their external environment and internal physiology. Adaptations that maximise migratory success must be selected for in order for migrants to arrive at their breeding grounds in timely fashion and in adequate body condition for breeding. My research uses (i) emergent technologies (known as “Biologging” – the logging of biology on the move) to track animal migrations in the wild and (ii) lab-based work to contextualise this work with theoretical and empirical modelling and data. Taken together, this approach can provide unparalleled insights into some of the world’s most exciting migrations.

Research grants

2010 Natural Environment Research Council
Understanding the drivers and consequences of different migration strategies in bar-headed geese (Anser indicus)

Qualifications:

2007 PhD Biological Sciences, University of Exeter
2002 BSc Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, University of Plymouth

Career:

2023 - Present Associate Professor, University of Exeter

2017- 2023 Senior Lecturer, University of Exeter

2013- 2017 Lecturer, University of Exeter

2012-2013 Post doctoral researcher, University of Exeter

2008-2012 BBSRC Post-doctoral researcher, Bangor University

2007-2008 WWF Central America (Marine Turtles and Climate Change Program Co-ordinator)

2002-2007 Post graduate education (PhD) & Employment (Naturalist)