Senior Project Manager
We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis, and rebuilding our soils will be an important part of addressing this.
I’ve got a background in the earth sciences, with a PhD in geophysics, and an early career in science funding and university administration. After a substantial career break I reforged a career by getting involved in a number of different part-time jobs and then joined the university in 2008. I’ve been involved in research, outreach and business development and this experience has coalesced into project management.
I was the Project Manager of the SMART Soils Project from October 2023 to October 2024. Managing academic projects in universities involves a range of activities aimed at supporting a particular project, so that the academics involved in the project are freed up to concentrate on their research and teaching. Typically, I was involved in organising and delivering activities, training and events, managing networks, looking out for funding opportunities, helping to craft grant applications, writing reports, keeping a project on schedule and keeping the funders happy.
The positive aspect of this type of role is working with interesting people to deliver meaningful training and research. I know a lot of people in the university, across many departments and have made friends abroad as well. Sometimes the role brings enjoyable side benefits like travel and helping with fieldwork.
Impact can take the form of research that will have real applications or of producing people who will go on to take science forward or have a meaningful impact on society. I’ve been involved in two training networks that have produced thirty early career scientists who are now developing careers in academia, industry and in society.
The impact of the SMART Soils project is described by several of the other ‘faces’, but healthy soils are necessary to our continued existence. Across the world people rely on crops that can only be grown in soil. We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis, and rebuilding our soils will be an important part of addressing this.
Learn how the SMART Soils Lab develops innovative solutions for healthier soils, supporting sustainable land management and changing how we value this vital resource.
Meet more of the experts at the SMART Soils Lab, leading the way in innovative soil and plant restoration techniques to promote healthier ecosystems and sustainable land management.
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