What did you study at A-level equivalent and why did you select those subjects?
I’m from Canada, and the education system is very different from that in the UK. In Canadian high schools, the A-level equivalent requires studying five advanced subjects in order to pursue science at university. I took English, which was mandatory, as well as Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, and Geography. I particularly enjoyed Geography and Photography.
What degree and PhD did you study?
I completed my Undergraduate degree in Physical Geography at the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I then undertook a Master of Science at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, with the Neotropical Option based at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. After that, I moved to the UK and completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
The benefit of studying in Canada is the broad nature of the education system, which has a very different structure from the UK. Canadian universities offer flexibility to take modules that develop your interests, and students are able to change subjects and even degree programmes easily. Undergraduate degrees take four years, and Master’s degrees take a minimum of two years, allowing more time for exploration and learning.
I was fortunate to be awarded a Millennium Scholarship, which funded my studies throughout university. Awarded to only 100 students in the whole country each year, the Government of Canada funded students to improve access to post-secondary education and encourage high levels of academic achievement and engagement in Canadian society.
As an undergraduate, I changed my degree programme several times. The university allowed students to transfer programmes and take optional modules across departments, including field classes from other universities. I took field classes from other universities and transferred the credits, including Arctic ecology in Churchill, Manitoba and glaciology in the Kluane Ice Fields in the Yukon. These field classes inspired me to continue with field-based research.
I graduated with a BSc in Physical Geography, which led to a postgraduate MSc in Plant Science. During this time, I worked with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and spent two years in Panama, conducting marine chemical ecological research.
After completing my MSc, I wanted to return to Environmental Sciences. I went on to study a PhD at the University of Oxford. There I was a part of the Andes Biodiversity and Ecosystems Research Group, which is an international group of scientists evaluating the impacts of global change along an altitudinal gradient from the Andes to the Amazon. My research focus was on river carbon biogeochemistry, catchment hydrology, and the mobilisation of carbon via landslides from the Andes down into the Amazon River.
What key skills did you learn at university?
My time at university taught me that one of the most important skills is perseverance—not giving up, but rather seeing things through to completion. To be successful, you need self-drive and self-reliance.
However, you can’t work hard all of the time. Having a life outside of studying is important. I encourage students to join university sports teams and social clubs. Learning how to study and develop independence is essential, but so is learning how interact with others socially and academically and to be able to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Identify what motivates you and push yourself to be the best you can be.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I’ve been fortunate that all of my roles have been within higher education. After completing my PhD, I’ve had several postdoctoral research positions in different countries, before becoming a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool.
Since finishing my PhD, I have held three postdoctoral research positions over nine years; at the University of Pennsylvania (with field research in Puerto Rico), the University of Calgary (with field research in the Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada), and finally returning to STRI, in Panama. During these postdoc roles, I researched river carbon biogeochemistry [see video: Kasey Clark, Agua Salud Project, Panama, 2018].
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently a Lecturer in Environmental Change in the School of Environmental Sciences, Department of Geography and Planning. I am also the Faculty of Science and Engineering Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead, as well as the Faculty Race Equality Charter Lead.
I’m passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of students about environmental change. In 2024, I was awarded the University of Liverpool's ‘Lecturer of the Year Award’ for improving inclusivity in field class teaching in the School of Environmental Sciences. I am proud and delighted by the progress we have made in providing better support and improved processes for students.
I’m really enjoying my EDI role as it allows me to make meaningful change within the faculty, with tangible impacts that are recognised and positively affect both staff and students.
Do you have an area of expertise?
My areas of expertise are river carbon biogeochemistry, and the impacts of rivers in coastal systems. Most of my research has been in the tropics. Find out more here.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
I particularly enjoyed working on my PhD project in the Andes and Amazon in Peru. It was an incredible experience, and I’d strongly recommend field research to anyone who has the chance—it’s an amazing learning and personal development opportunity.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best advice I received was to never be short-sighted. Whilst it's important to focus on your current project, you should also be thinking about your next steps. Take advantage of support from colleagues and organisations to maximise future opportunities.
Why are you passionate about your career?
I have always been passionate about what I do and my interests. As a child, I was passionate about the environment, especially reducing pollution and promoting recycling—I wanted to make a difference. Throughout my studies, I felt a strong sense of belonging in Environmental Sciences and being able to teach future generations and contribute to improving our Planet’s environment is wonderful
More resources:
Video: Kasey Clark, Agua Salud Project, Panama, 2018
Article: Athena Swan Gold Award for the School of Environmental Sciences
University of Liverpool Staff Profile