Heather McConnell

Heather McConnell on a beach wearing a hoodie and a baseball cap

PhD Student

My background is in zoology with a focus on animal behaviour but a move to Scotland and a subsequent job working at SAMS ignited my interest in aquaculture.  I became aware of the challenges facing sustainable aquaculture and the impacts it has on the environment, in particular the issues created by sea lice. 

My PhD will allow me to advance our understanding of sea lice larval biology in a way that will fill gaps in our current understanding and thus enhance current models and farm management practices.  In addition to helping better understand the wider environmental impacts on wild fish stocks.

Contact details:
  • Heather.McConnell@sams.ac.uk
  • +44 (0)01631 559 000
  • Linkedin

I am involved in the technical delivery of aquarium-based research and support researchers in the planning and design of experimental systems. 

I contribute to the general maintenance of aquarium infrastructure and the husbandry of research animals. 

 

Qualifications

2021 MSc Applied Zoo Biology; University Centre Sparsholt

2019 BSc Zoology; University of Bristol

 

Employment history

Jun 2022 - Sept 2024 - Research Aquarium Technician; SAMS

Jun-Nov 2021 Zoo Keeper; Woburn Safari Park

Aug 2020 - Feb 2021 Zoo Keeper; Cotsworld Wildlife Park

 

Publications

McConnell H, Brereton J, Rice T, Rose P (2022) Do birds of a feather always flock together? Assessing differences in group and individual zoo enclosure usage by comparing commonly available methods. J Zoo Bot Gard. 3(1); 71-88. https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3010007 

 

Understanding sea louse larval biology and natural abundance to inform modelling and assist management of the Scottish salmon industry

This PhD project applies an inter-disciplinary approach to the evaluation of sea louse larval behaviour and dynamics within the Scottish coastal context and seeks to develop essential methods for reliable detection and quantification to support industry and regulators to address this key challenge to the Scottish aquaculture industry

Supervisors:

Dr Kim Last – SAMS

Dr Helena Reinardy – SAMS

Dr Andrew Dale – SAMS

Prof. James Bron - Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling

Dr Philip Gilibrand – Mowi Scotland

Dr Tom Adams – Scottish Sea Farms

 

Funder:  NERC Super DTP

Start date: October 2024