Introducing Dr Jessica Williams

We interviewed Dr Jessica Williams - a Research Fellow who joined us in September.

Can you tell me a little about your background?

I've always been interested in our natural environment and how anthropogenic changes impact biodiversity. I carried out my undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter, in Biology and Animal Behaviour, and then followed this with a Masters degree in Conservation Science here at Imperial's Silwood Park. I went on to complete my PhD and become a postdoc at University College London, before escaping London to join Silwood again!

Can you tell us a bit about your study and work prior to now?

Land-use changes, such as the conversion of forest to agriculture, lead to local climatic changes. On average, human-modified land uses are warmer and drier than natural habitats, and experience greater extremes of temperature. My PhD investigated the impact of these local climatic changes on vertebrates around the world. I then went on to carry out a postdoc as part of the Sustainable & Healthy Food Systems programme. Through this, I developed a novel method for examining the resilience of ecosystem services (such as pollination and pest management) to environmental changes. 

What is your new role at Imperial?

I have joined Imperial as an Imperial College Research Fellow. During my fellowship, I will be exploring Anthropocene landscape permeability for species key to human health and well-being. In short, my aim is to understand how human-modified land uses influence the permeability (i.e. ease of movement) of landscapes for range-shifting species, with a focus on species key for food system sustainability and disease spread. 

What motivated you to work in this area?

My research goal is to alleviate the adverse effects of human-induced environmental change on terrestrial biodiversity, and to ensure that current and future societal needs from nature are maintained, and the burdens of ecosystem disservices on human health are minimised.  

What attracted you to working in Life Sciences at Imperial Silwood Park?

Having completed my Masters here many moons ago, I knew that Silwood Park was a lovely place to be based. This, combined with the amazing work being carried out by the researchers here, led to me wanting to come back!

Tell us an interesting/unusual fact about yourself.

In my free time I am generally looking for some sort of adventure.

In recent years this has been climbing - I'm the treasurer for the North London Mountaineering Club and have been fortunate enough to climb across the UK, Europe (including ticking off some 4000m peaks in Italy and Switzerland), and even Vietnam and Laos.

If I'm not off climbing, I'm usually playing or watching sport!