Dr Catherine Head

I am a marine biologist with a background in marine conservation. I undertook my PhD at University of Oxford focusing on the biodiversity and community structure of coral-associates in the Chagos Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean, one of the world’s largest no-take marine protected areas. Previous to that I worked in marine conservation for 7 years for Zoological Society of London and Coral Cay Conservation.

Teaching

At St Peter's College, I am currently a Stipendiary Lecturer and coordinating Tutor in Biological Sciences. I tutor Biological Sciences undergraduates in ecology and evolution, often with a special focus on marine ecosystems.

Research

Currently my post-doctoral research is focused on investigating the genetic connectivity of corals between shallow and deep depths to identify if mesophotic reefs (reefs deeper than 40m) can act as a refugia from human impacts, allowing reseeding of shallower reefs after mortality events. I’m also exploring the use of new genetic techniques, such as Environmental DNA, as a non-invasive method of monitoring marine biodiversity. In my spare time I love SCUBA diving, travelling and wildlife drawing.