Aisha Phillips
Marine Biologist
I am a research assistant with experience in invasive species and molecular ecology. I came back to university as a mature student to explore the natural world and contribute to science.
I am passionate about freshwater and marine ecosystems and hope to support the conservation of Irish habitats and species. I am particularly interested in indicator species, as well as the effects of contaminants and climate change on habitats and species.
As a researcher, I aspire to work collaboratively with stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities to develop evidence-based conservation strategies that promote biodiversity, and ensure the long-term well-being of Irish species and habitats..
If you share a passion for the environment, conservation, or anything fun and nerdy, reach out!
Click the button or continue below to learn more about my experience and qualifications
About me
I live in east Galway with my fiancé and our two cats. I have a degrees in Environmental Science with Ecology from ATU Sligo and in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology at ATU Galway.
My hobbies include birdwatching, sailing, swimming, hiking, and reading. I volunteer my spare time with:
The Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum as Co-Chair.
Birdwatch Ireland during the winter for the Irish Wetland Bird Survey
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group as a stranding responder
Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bankas as sampling volunteer
And with Seal Rescue Ireland as a rescue volunteer.
My Interests
Passionate about exploring eDNA, genetics, and molecular ecology, to unravel the known unknowns and support conservation efforts.
Volunteering with NGOs to support Ireland’s biodiversity through fieldwork, community engagement, and education & outreach initiatives.
I have experience working with marine mammals but am also interested in ornithology and other biological indicator species.
Fieldwork and surveys, especially close to water. Whether its photo identification or sample collection, I love being in the field!
FinFinder:
An app to identify Irish Cetaceans
FinFinder has been awarded a Small Recording Projects Grant from National Parks and Wildlife Service !
These grants aim to to "encourage and support the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to foster the next generation of specialist recorders. Grants are aimed at volunteer recorders, or groups and associations of recorders who have limited or no access to financial support for their work."
I am developing FinFinder to help the general public correctly identify cetaceans in Irish waters. It has been designed as a pictorial dichotomous key and recording tool that is interactive, engaging, and simple to use.
Work placement at the Marine Institute
I completed my 3rd year work placement with the Benthos Ecology team at the Marine Institute. Find out more about my time with the MI:
“We are the only species on Earth that have the intelligence and the way of communicating that together makes it possible to realise what has been going on – the consequences of what we are doing now.”
- Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
