I am a PhD candidate at GMIT since 2016. As part of my research I am exploring population genetic structure of two seal species around Ireland and western Europe in order to delineate Management/Assessment Units and provide crucial baseline information for conservation and management of both species. Prior to the PhD project, I completed the International Masters programme in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation and joined research teams in Seychelles, Australia and the UK. My research interests lie in the use of a multidisciplinary approach – specifically the combination of molecular and ecological tools – to aid the conservation and management of marine species.