Spotlight on... Izzy Bishop

What is your role and what does it involve?

I’m a Lecturer (Teaching) in Ecology in the People and Nature Lab at UCL East (part of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research (CBER)). A large part of my role involves teaching students taking MSc programmes in Ecology and Data Science, Ecology and Urban Engineering, and Ecology, Climate Change, and Health. All our teaching is challenge-led, and I focus on how the science of ecology can be applied in multidisciplinary settings to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation.

In addition to teaching, I have a strong research interest in freshwater conservation and the ways in which local communities contribute towards water resource management. I spend a lot of time working with external organisations and the public in research and conservation projects where we are equal partners.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I’ve been in my current role for two-and-a-half years, but I’ve been at UCL on-and-off since I joined the Geography department as an undergraduate in 2006. In between times I’ve worked as freshwater research lead for the eNGO Earthwatch Europe, where I ran a global citizen science project called FreshWater Watch, and as a water quality scientist for Thames Water.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

The thing I’m most proud of is being part of a global team connecting local communities with global policymakers via citizen science. As part of the World Water Quality Alliance, I have opportunities to collaborate with citizen scientists across Europe and Africa who are monitoring the health of the freshwater systems that their lives and livelihoods depend on. This work has led to the publication of a policy brief and accompanying technical brief – which I presented at COP16 this week - that call on water resource authorities to actively collaborate with local communities using citizen science. Our case studies show that this inclusive and open approach to research and environmental management not only improves our knowledge about aquatic environments, but also leads to more effective localised measures to prevent protection and restore biodiversity.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list

I’ve recently received Grand Challenges funding to run a course for students and staff called ‘Sustainable Stand Up’. The UCL-specific course will be based on an existing training programme that teaches techniques from stand-up comedy and improv to help people communicate issues related to climate change and biodiversity loss in joyful, relatable ways. If I’m honest this is a bit of a passion project. I’m incredibly excited about it because I’ve done the training myself and it has completely changed the way I communicate my research.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

I have a short attention span so I confess that I rarely read novels, and it’s a rare occasion when I can sit through a whole film. Music is my go-to for relaxing. Top of my playlist at the moment are Blood on the Tracks (Bob Dylan), Graceland (Paul Simon), and Tea for the Tillerman (Cat Stevens).

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

A physicist, an engineer, and a statistician go hunting together. After a while they spot a solitary rabbit. The physicist assumes a vacuum and undershoots. The engineer adds a fudge factor for air resistance and overshoots. The statistician yells, ‘We got him!”

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen to Tim Minchin’s doctorate acceptance speech. It has all the life advice you’ll ever need.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have represented Wales as goalkeeper in lacrosse. 

What is your favourite place?

The Clee Hills in South Shropshire. There’s no place like home.