With a background in Zoology and Conservation, Heather gained valuable experience through a Conservation Skills Internship at RSPB Forsinard Nature Reserve. She has since specialized in research and data collection focused on peatland environments.

Heather plays a pivotal role in the “Sphagnum” and “Bog Breathing” work packages under the Leverhulme Leadership Award. Her responsibilities include:

• Coordinating field campaigns and laboratory work with PhD students, ensuring smooth execution of research activities.

• Assisting with mesocosm experiments, overseeing data collection, and monitoring samples to support ongoing studies.

• Managing extensive datasets, handling data entry, wrangling, long-term processing, and ensuring data integrity.

• Contributing to the assessment of peatland conditions using advanced techniques, including QGIS and InSAR data analysis.

• Supporting the installation, maintenance, and data management of field equipment, ensuring reliable data collection and storage.

In March 2023, Heather organised the 9th Flow Country Conference: Trajectories of Change. Noteworthy for its inclusivity, the event showcased prominent peatland scientists on a global scale and emphasized a significant dedication to early-career development.