Conservation Ecology Group @ Durham University
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Emily Baker

My PhD research will be focusing on developing statistical approaches for validating and verifying ecological citizen science data. Citizen science approaches in biodiversity monitoring have the ability to collect large volumes of data at a greater geographical and temporal scale, and are continually increasing in prevalence and scope. Through this research we plan to address how the data submitted can be validated and verified, as typically the process of verification is carried out manually by experts and fellow volunteer recorders. The approaches we aim to develop through this research can reduce the burden on experts and other contributors, as well as potentially affect interpretation for management and policy.

Prior to this I have been involved in research that examines the role citizen science can play in ensuring plant biosecurity, through programmes that monitor invasive plant pests and diseases, and how citizen science programmes can be designed to provide reliable ecological datasets that can be used to develop effective policy and management responses.
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I also have experience in science communication and policy engagement, and have previously worked at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Edinburgh as a network and engagement officer. I have a keen interest in the science-policy interface and the role it can play in ensuring biodiversity conservation and effective environmental governance. Furthermore, I am interested in the policy impact that public engagement, and more specifically citizen science can have in developing effective environmental conservation, management and policy practices.

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Position:  PhD Student in the Department of Biosciences

Supervised by: Dr. Philip Stephens and Dr. Jonathan Drury

Contact Details: Department of Biosciences
                         Durham university,
                         South Road, Durham DH1 3LE
                         Email: [email protected]

Education

2019 - Present  PhD Biological Sciences, Durham University
2016 - 2017      MSc Environmental Technology, Imperial College London
2013 - 2016      
BSc Ecology, University of Liverpool

Selected Awards

NERC Iapetus2 Doctoral Training Scholarship, 2019

Publications

Baker, E., Jeger, M. J., Mumford, J. D., & Brown, N. (2019). Enhancing plant biosecurity with citizen science monitoring: comparing methodologies using reports of acute oak decline. Journal of Geographical Systems, 21(1), 111–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10109-018-0285-2