Contact

Name

Derek Elsby
Position

PhD Research Student
E-Mail Address

derek.elsby@uhi.ac.uk
Joined the ERI

October 2, 2016
Job Description

My PhD investigated the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria within the wildlife of the Scotland, focusing on E. coli in wild deer and freshwater invertebrates, with a view to assessing their potential use in future biomonitoring programmes.
I am currently investigating potential relationships between wild deer populaitons and habitat quality in the Flow country, working with ERI and the RSPB.

Career

2020 – Present: Ecologist (data scientist) – ERI; Water Sampling Officer – Scottish Water

2015-2016: Scientist (Microbiology)  – Scottish Water

2015: Seasonal Ecologist – Heritage Environmental Ltd.

2015: Laboratory Demonstrator (Animal/Environmental) – Edinburgh Napier University

2012-2015: Animal Presenter – Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Edinburgh Zoo)

Qualifications

2016 – 2020: PhD Environmental Science – University of the Highlands and Islands

2011 – 2015: B.Sc. (Hons) 1st Class, Animal Biology – Edinburgh Napier University

Profile

Derek spent most of his early adult life working as an actor, performer, tour guide, and retail assistant.
He returned to university in 2011 to pursue a scientific career with a focus on wildlife.

While at university he worked for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, at Edinburgh Zoo, in the presentation team at the giant panda enclosure. After graduating he worked as a seasonal ecologist carrying out amphibian relocation. Following this, he worked at Scottish Water as a microbiologist, carrying out routine monitoring of drinking water for signs of human and animal faecal contamination.

In his free time, Derek has continued to build his upon his wildlife and outdoor skills via badger surveying with Scottish Badgers, bat tracking with Scottish Natural Heritage, and working as a volunteer animal keeper at his local zoo.