The overarching aim of my PhD project is to demonstrate how the philosophy of information and cognition can improve our understanding of the Earth system. The core idea is that novel information processes distinguish the Anthropocene from the rest of Earth history.

I explore how the information flows associated with different knowledge systems affect the structure and function of the human ecological niche across scales. My thesis develops theory that describes information and cognition as spatially-bounded phenomena, whose limits, or 'information horizons', are determined by the sensory and cognitive capabilities of organisms. This underpins the primary practical output of my project: Information Horizons Analysis, which is a novel analytical framework for assessing the extent to which different actors wield agency in diverse ecological and ontological contexts.

Prior to joining LCAB, I completed a BA in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Leeds, followed by an MLitt in Environment, Culture and Communication at the University of Glasgow. I have substantial experience as a researcher in the fields of corporate social responsibility and public health. Alongside these academic pursuits I have worked extensively at the intersection between ecology and society as a forestry, agricultural, and horticultural labourer.