(she/her)
I’m a PhD student in Statistics at the University of St Andrews where my work focuses on applying mathematical theory to ecology, to build practical conservation metrics and inform environmental policy. I have a background in Zoology (BSc) and statistical ecology honed through a Master’s in Research (MRes). I describe myself as a true nature nerd, with a deep love of the natural world and an active curiosity in the workings of ecosystems, from soil mycelia to bird behaviour and everything in between!
I am driven by wanting to contribute to actions and solutions to the climate and nature crises, and am passionate about the intersectionality of statistics, big data, practical conservation and environmental policy.
Is ‘complexity’ the much-needed link between ecological function and the biodiversity metrics needed to deliver nature positive outcomes?
University of St Andrews with Dr Chris Sutherland
PhD aim:
To develop tools to track ecosystem recovery using the theory of ecological complexity which can support nature restoration, evidence-based policy and emerging nature markets.
PhD objectives:
- Build on recent advances in applying ecological complexity to test its generality across ecosystems (e.g., WREN, Cairngorms Connect, Glen Prosan).
- Evaluate whether a surrogate-based approach can identify a suite of species that balances accurate quantification of ecosystem function with practical feasibility and scalability.
- Develop a reporting framework that integrates ecological complexity proxies into environmental policymaking and nature markets.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Liliana Tarrant Snedden
ORCID: Liliana Tarrant Snedden