Profile

Dr Nicole Goodey Biosciences lecturer
Biosciences Lecturer
01326 259239
Daphne du Maurier cles DM research office
Daphne du Maurier Building, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
Office hours: Since having my daughter I now work part time - Monday's 9-5, Tuesdays 9-12:30 and Thursdays 9-5. I have an "open door" policy so please feel free to come and see me during these times
Overview
I am a lecturer at the Exeter University (Penryn campus). I am very passionate about teaching, and teach across a broad range of first, second and third year undergraduate modules including: Skills and Careers, Biodiversity and Conservation, Development of Behaviour, and Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology. I am especially interested in finding novel and engaging ways to communicate science to university students, and to the wider community.
I am a post graduate mentor, member of the Inclusivity Group and Parents and Carers Network. I have extensive experience acting as a peer coach, mentor and supervisor for undergraduate students. I also develop and implement regular science outreach and communication initiatives, including a popular science radio show.
My research background is in the ecology of species interactions, in particular trait mediated plant-insect interactions. My research interests range from the maintenance of phenotypic variation in natural systems, and the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of closely linked species.
Research interests:
- Plant ecology
- Phenotypic diversity in natural populations
- Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of species interactions
- Entomology
Qualifications
2011 BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology, University of Exeter
2014 PhD Plant Insect Interactions, University of Exeter
Links

Silver studded blue
Research
Research interests
Weird and Wonderful Snails
I have a particular interest for seemingly humble, often overlooked orgainsms, as with a little observaiton it quickly becomes apparent that they often exhbit fascinating behvaviour. The common garden snail, Helix aspersa, is a prime example. Recent work has uncovered fluorescent slime which appears to have defensive properties and an amazing ability to "home" to particular roosting sites
Plant-Insect Interactions
Closely linked organisms are often locked in co-evolutionary arms races which can result in spectucular physiological and/or behavioural adaptations. The key discovery during my PhD was that the brassica specialist aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, sequestered a toxic compound from its wild cabbage host plant to use in its own defence against predators.
I would like to expand my knowledge and research of plant-insect interactions by investigating gall wasps, a particular love of mine. These tiny insects manipulate their host plants into growing special structures which house the wasps eggs and suppoort their growing larva.
Cooperative Behavior
Social insects are excellent model systems for researching the mechanisms underlying cooperative behaviour. My previous research has focussed on termites, which are interesting due to their diploid genetic architecture making them more analogus to vertebrate cooperative societies.
I am currently exploring setting up a wood ant research system for student projects
Collaborations: Prof Dave Hodgson, Prof Mike Cant
Links
- Cooney et al Lack of Agression in Pterotermes termites
- SPANDEX (Statistical, Population, Applied, Natural and Demographic Ecology at Exeter)
- Goodey et al Aphids Pick Their Poison
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Key publications
Publications by category
Journal articles
Publications by year
2015
Nicole_Goodey Details from cache as at 2021-01-15 22:06:16
External Engagement and Impact
Media Coverage
Co-presenter and manager for Cornwall’s Science Sessions, Pirate FM 2016
Co-presenter and manager for Cornwall’s Science Sessions, Source FM 2017
Teaching
Teaching is my primary focus and passion, and I currently teach across the following modules:
- Skills and Careers (BIO1430)
- Biodiversity and Conservation (BIO2406)
- Development in Behaviour (BIO2428)
- Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology (BIO3047)
For students who wish to contact me you can:
- Email me to arrange a suitable day/time
- Come to the Aquarium in Daphne DuMaurier on Monday between 1-2pm, or Tuesday between 11am-12pm
Modules
2020/21
Information not currently available