Joanne Porter

Graduated with a BSc Honours in Marine Biology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1994. Went on to read for a PhD with Professor John Ryland and Professor Gary Carvalho at Swansea University on ‘Speciation and Reproduction of Marine Bryozoa in the genus Alcyonidium (Lamouroux)’. This work involved using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques to investigate species diversity and taxonomy. Completed two NERC-funded Postdoctoral research posts working in the laboratories of Dr Peter Hayward and Professor David Skibinski, continuing studies into the molecular systematics and population genetics of marine Bryozoa. In 2003 moved to a lectureship at Aberystwyth University and during this period started to develop new research interests into the chemical biodiversity of marine Bryozoa and their bacterial symbionts. Joined the School of Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in July 2009 as a lecturer in Marine Biology and in 2016 relocated to the Heriot Watt University Orkney campus to pursue research on biogenic reef habitats, biodiversity and interactions with activity of the Blue Economy. Hobbies include SCUBA diving, underwater photography, cycling, gardening and reading.