Professional summary
Grace works as a data scientist within the Biodiversity Monitoring & Analysis Group. Her research involves applying computational methods and technology to environmental challenges.
She is currently involved in AMI (Automated Monitoring of Insects) projects: The AMI system uses UV lights and high-resolution cameras to autonomously photograph moths, which are identified through machine learning. Grace analyses the data and has presented results at the GEO BON conference in Canada (Oct 2023) and the RES 'AI in Entomology' conference (July 2024). She is enhancing the AMI software to expand its capabilities, including monitoring biodiversity through sound. Additionally, Grace has started a part-time PhD with UKCEH and the University of Reading (since October 2024), investigating impacts of agriculture and extreme weather events on moths using the unique data provided by the AMI systems.
Within AgZero+, Grace is designing and implementing a farm health check tool to support the UK’s transition towards sustainable, carbon-neutral, and nature-friendly farming. The workflow involves collecting farm data and processing it through various UKCEH models to generate informative reports for farmers.
For GLiTRS, Grace has developed the Dynameta shiny app, an interactive platform for ecological meta-analyses. She is also conducting her own meta-analysis on the effect of invasive species on terrestrial insects.
Grace graduated with a BSc in Biology from the University of Bath (2021), including a placement year at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. She also has an MSc in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution from Imperial College London (2022), and joined UKCEH in 2022.