Sam works within the Wetland and Marine team on a variety of projects involving field- and desk-based work on seabirds. 

Sam has a strong background in ornithological work, having spent four breeding seasons collecting data and studying the seabird populations of the Isle of May. Between 2019 and 2023 he undertook a PhD at the University of the Highlands and Islands where he investigated the population dynamics, predator-prey relationships and foraging ecology of Great Black-backed Gulls in a conservation context. Sam is particularly interested in foraging ecology, and how, for example, mechanisms such as foraging specialisation lead to inter-individual differences in foraging behaviour and demographic rates. 

Sam is passionate about all aspects of a research project, from its conceptualisation through to fieldwork, data collection, and the analysis and write-up of reports and peer-reviewed publications. He works within the Wetland and Marine Team on a range of projects involving seabird tracking, ringing, and population monitoring.

Sam has been interested in nature since a very young age, with a particular interest in birds. Birdwatching, bird ringing, and wildlife photography are his main interests alongside cycling and racket sports.

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, University of Aberdeen, 2018
PhD, University of Highlands and Islands: ‘The foraging ecology and conservation of the Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus’, 2019 – present.