Dr Alex Collins
My research activities are grounded in the motivation to inform and improve environmental decision making. This encompasses the need for greater considerations of the environment in decision making through improving understanding of ecosystem services and the societal benefits of environmental improvements, the use of evidence in environmental decision making and the promotion of integrated solutions to environmental problems. In addition I enjoy teaching on the MSc course and on an undergraduate module in Life Sciences. I am always really impressed by the passion and commitment of the students at Imperial and enjoy discussing potential solutions to environmental challenges with them.
I first came to CEP to undertake the Masters in Environmental Technology and although I had planned to go on to work for a consultancy I enjoyed learning about interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problems so much I stayed on to work on a couple of research projects before completing my PhD in the department. Following this I had two fellowships funded by NERC and became a lecturer in 2017.
I have worked a great deal with decision makers in government departments and agencies and although this is sometimes challenging it is rewarding to see the methods I have developed be adopted and used by the UK Government, US EPA and the European Commission.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friend, watching Queens Park Rangers Football Club (when they win!) and walking Shannon my newly rescued ex-racing greyhound.