Dr Samuel Sinclair

Dr Sam Sinclair is a co-founder and director of Biodiversify, a consultancy which specialises in developing landscape-level plans for nature and supporting the private sector in developing nature-positive strategies. Sam spent a decade working in conservation across Africa which culminated in a PhD at Imperial College London where he studied the social factors in biodiversity decision making. He drew from this expertise to help lead Biodiversify to the forefront of biodiversity sustainability. So far this has included authoring the first ever guidance for creating private sector biodiversity strategies, supporting the UK government in piloting key aspects of The Environment Act and partnering with companies that are pioneering in the nature positive space such as Kering, Tetra Pak and Primark.

Dr Michael Burgass

Michael has twelve years’ experience in conservation science and project management for the private sector, academia and NGOs. Michael has widespread experience in project management, field survey design and management, report writing, environmental audit, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and policy and governance review for a wide range of high-profile clients globally. His technical specialities involve monitoring and managing biodiversity at large scales, and he is actively involved in initiatives to better link scientific practice to biodiversity indicators in the corporate sector as well as how to build biodiversity and nature into corporate accounting.

Michael leads Biodiversify’s work streams in the delivery of biodiversity assessments for corporate clients.  As part of these projects, Biodiversify has developed and tested different methodologies and approaches. Michael has been researching nature-positive concepts as a researcher and together with the team at Oxford University, led Biodiversify’s input in the Conservation Hierarchy project, which went on to inspire the creation of the SBTN’s AR3T Framework. As such, Michael has been a key member of the Science Based Targets for Nature Ocean Hub and led Biodiversify’s input into the Corporate Engagement Program. He has an in-depth knowledge of international regulations and policies on biodiversity and specialises in the design and use of biodiversity indicators.

Dr Cecilia Larrosa

Cecilia has a wide variety of experience working in conservation, including teaching, NGO and consultancy jobs. During the past years she has developed highly technical skills in researching the intersection between the dynamic nature of systems and spatial conservation planning.  Her work lies in the intersection between predictive science, resource allocation and national policies, with the main objective of planning for sustainable landscapes at regional and large scales.

Katie Fensome

Katie joined Biodiversify not just for its mission but also for its ethos of putting collaborative decision-making at the centre of biodiversity strategy. Coming from a combined social and natural science background, Katie is fascinated by the individual decisions that lead to biodiversity loss and biodiversity protection, and how to influence decision-making at all scales to benefit people and nature.

A strong advocate for pre-competitive collaboration, Katie is passionate about pooling resources and expertise to create solutions that address complex challenges in protecting biodiversity throughout the value chain. Through her eight years as a sustainability consultant and project manager, she has employed a varied skillset – whether using spatial analyses and remote sensing to map and monitor habitat loss, co-developing the industry-wide no-deforestation reporting framework for palm oil during her time at Proforest, leading the development of the fashion biodiversity risk tool with The Fashion Pact, or working directly with food and fashion brands to design effective strategies for nature – she is motivated by identifying and co-developing sustainable value chain solutions.

When she isn’t paving the way in sustainability, Katie immerses herself in a blend of personal passions: hitting the gym, enjoying live comedy and music gigs, catching waves while surfing, and cooking (usually spicy) culinary delights for friends and family. Her forward-thinking perspective, combined with her ability to discern clients’ needs and foresee potential challenges, makes Katie a very welcome addition to the Biodiversify team.

Katie lived and worked in Mexico, Malaysia and Switzerland before settling in Cornwall, and speaks fluent Spanish.

Dr Julia Haywood

Dr Julia Haywood is a spatial analyst with ten years of experience in spatial ecology and applied environmental research. Julia has dedicated her career to using her analytical skills to improve the natural environment. Building on from her academic background, Julia prides herself in implementing cutting-edge science and enjoys the challenge of coding creative solutions that make processes more practical, efficient, and transparent. For Biodiversify, Julia is responsible for leading on the technical aspects of multiple projects with a focus on analytical coding, data visualisation, and product creation.

Joanne Crighton

Joanne spent the first part of her career working in legal and financial services, encompassing insurance, lending and debt recovery.  During her 15 years in operational management roles, she led a diverse range of teams and gained extensive experience and professional training in leadership, quality and risk management, service delivery and process efficiency.

Following a family career break, Joanne saw an opportunity to combine her operational background, with a keen interest in finance, to support businesses with financial management and strategy.  With this in mind, she began a period of self-study towards her accountancy qualifications, alongside gaining experience within the finance environment, most recently as Finance Director for an SME in the construction supply sector.  She now holds the ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Business and is in the late stages of qualifying as a chartered accountant.

Joanne is passionate about bridging the gap between finance and non-financial colleagues, through a collaborative and inclusive approach to planning and reporting.  She is particularly motivated by improving efficiency within financial processes, especially where this involves making use of emerging technology.  She was instantly attracted to the role at Biodiversify, excited by the chance to work with a highly talented team, working at the cutting edge of science, to support nature and its vital role in a sustainable future.

Away from the workplace, Joanne loves being outdoors and is lucky to have the Peak District on her doorstep, where she enjoys walking, running and cycling, with her family, friends and Dotty the whippet.  To relax, she likes to practice yoga, play the piano and read historical fiction.

Cristina Secades

Cristina is an experienced corporate sustainability specialist with over a decade of expertise in translating science and policy into practical, impactful strategies for the private sector. Cristina’s work is driven by a strong commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation with business goals, especially within the mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. This includes guiding corporations through the creation and implementation of nature-positive strategies, technical support for sustainability reporting, and building multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve transformative change.

Cristina brings a diverse blend of expertise from working in civil society, public policy, and private sector roles. Her comprehensive background allows her to smoothly navigate and bring together diverse stakeholder interests. This unique perspective fosters collaborative sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between environmental imperatives and the needs of businesses.

At Biodiversify, Cristina is at the forefront of our efforts to make the mining supply chain more sustainable. Through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of cutting-edge conservation methodologies, Cristina is dedicated to ensuring that this critical sector operates in a way that safeguards our planet’s ecological health.

Cristina has lived and worked in Spain, Finland, Belgium, Germany, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and England, where she is currently based. She speaks fluent Spanish, English, and French, and is busy learning Italian.

Daisy Snook

As our Operations Manager at Biodiversify, Daisy is driven by a passion for creating efficient and streamlined operations that enhance productivity and contribute to a positive workplace culture. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Leadership and Management and a Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management, Daisy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring that Biodiversify’s operations reflect the company’s commitment to being thought leaders in the field, fostering an environment where the team feels motivated and supported to deliver impactful results for Nature.

When Daisy joined Biodiversify, the team was just four people strong. Now, with over 20 members, Daisy’s experience has given her a unique perspective, balancing hands-on project work with the evolving needs of the growing business. This journey has shaped her approach to operations management, focusing on both immediate tasks and long-term strategic goals.

One of Daisy’s key accomplishments has been the successful implementation and integration of the project management platform, Monday.com. By customising this tool to meet Biodiversify’s specific needs, Daisy has revolutionised team collaboration, improving visibility, precision, and accountability across all departments. Beyond project management, she is deeply involved in refining operational processes, systems, and policies to align with the company’s strategic goals, ensuring that Biodiversify’s operations are smooth, scalable, and equipped to support continued growth.

Holly Pike

As a consultant, Holly specialises in spatial analysis with a background in wildlife ecology and conservation. She has a variety of experience, from terrestrial conservation research in Greece to wildlife rehabilitation in Canada, as well as a master’s degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Management. 

 With a strong academic foundation and professional experience, Holly has developed expertise in leveraging a wide array of tools and software to clean and analyse large datasets. At Biodiversify, she uses these tools to create easily interpretable and interactive visualisations of spatial data and analysis, that help clients to better understand their supply chains and their potential impacts and dependencies on biodiversity.  

 Since joining Biodiversify in January 2022, Holly has worked on a variety of complex projects. This has included supporting large, global companies in beginning their journey with SBTN, and carrying out Systematic Conservation Planning to guide potential habitat conservation, restoration, and establishment around significant infrastructure projects. Holly is passionate about combining social and technical approaches to help organisations create a shared vision for nature, that is supported by the best available evidence. 

 When she isn’t busy coding, Holly enjoys going on long walks in the countryside (having recently completed the South Downs Way and Isle of Wight Coastal Path), trialling new vegan recipes, and going to gigs and festivals. 

 

Sara Kenny

Sara joined Biodiversify in 2022 as our Communications Specialist. She has a BSc in Zoology and an MA in Human Rights and Political Science and draws on experience from both to inform her work. Sara has four years of experience in digital marketing and communications, having come from a background in the charity sector. Sara has also worked independently as a communications strategist and copywriter.

Sara is responsible for developing and delivering communications strategies that raise awareness of Biodiversify’s work and engages key audiences. This includes managing our social media channels, website content, and email newsletters, as well as developing marketing materials.

Sara is passionate about using her skills to support our efforts to see the recovery of nature and believes that effective and honest communication is key to achieving lasting change. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her family and friends

Dan Oldham

Dan, a principal consultant, has a Masters degree in Environmental Science from the University of Southampton and specialises in biodiversity and conservation. Dan joined us after 3+ years working at Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), where his work focused on tree, woodland and forestry policy and within Defra’s multilateral engagement team, working closely with the UN and other intergovernmental organisations to promote the importance of nature. Dan’s role within Biodiversify will focus on working with private and public sector clients to add resilience to business operations and supply chains by working to protect biodiversity.

Dan looks forward to working with various clients to work collaboratively on reversing biodiversity loss and supporting conservation efforts, all while supporting clients to help them achieve their economic, social and environmental goals.

Dan is passionate about the outdoors and spending time within nature. In his spare time, Dan can often be found hiking with his partner and their whippet Vinny or enjoying squash, football or snorkelling (weather permitting, of course)!

Caitlin Schindler

Caitlin joined the Biodiversify team in February 2023 and brings a wide range of experience across biodiversity, sustainability, and human rights in supply chains. She holds a BSc(Hons) in Environmental Science from Queen’s University and an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford.

Caitlin is passionate about improving the often fraught and complex supply chains of everyday products. From a brief stint in academia working with timber, she then moved into the private sector with a focus on seafood, and most recently worked for a wildlife charity on wild-harvested plant ingredients found in beauty products, food, drink, and medicine. Throughout her career, she’s become familiar with various certification schemes, standards, and market-based mechanisms for improving sustainability and working conditions, and hopes to continue driving these forward with Biodiversify.

Outside of work, Caitlin likes to balance her desk job with art-y pursuits like bread baking, pottery, yoga, and photography, alongside walking her dog(e) Katsu and searching for interesting plants, fungi, and marine life.

Peter McCann

Peter brings a wealth of experience backed by 3 years in consultancy roles and holds a master’s degree in biodiversity and conservation.

At their previous position with Eunomia, Peter was a key contributor to a landmark collaboration with WWF, including designing a new data collection system for assessing the performance of UK retailers towards environmental targets and modelling sustainable agroecological food systems. Skilled in understanding supply chains and their relationship with biodiversity, Peter’s role will focus on navigating frameworks like SBTN and TNFD, allowing them to work with our clients to employ data-centric conservation strategies. Peter has also published work on the interactions between intensive agriculture and climate change, producing the first global assessment of their joint impacts on insect biodiversity. 

Combining expertise in data analysis, coding and modelling, Peter envisions a future where precise data allows businesses to put nature first in decision-making. Off the clock, Peter has an affinity for nature whether they’re hiking, foraging or immersed in gardening.  

Dr Owen Middleton

Owen is a Senior Consultant at Biodiversify where he works effectively to co-create biodiversity strategies with the needs of clients in mind. He has a technical background that spans practical ecology and monitoring as well as corporate strategy development for renewable, construction, and real estate companies.  

Before joining Biodiversify, and following a PhD in conservation and rewilding, Owen worked for a global biodiversity monitoring company as a consultant and data scientist. Here, he used a variety of ecological analyses and metrics for monitoring the state of nature at sites across the world and became proficient with common tools for nature-related risk assessments. He did this for companies working across all economic sectors, as well as for global NGOs and project developers for carbon and biodiversity credits, the latter of which he was involved in pilot studies. 

Dr Stefanie Kaupa

Dr Stefanie Kaupa is a geographer with over 6 years of professional experience in natural and water resource management on an international scale, joining Biodiversify in September 2023.

Prior to joining Biodiversify, Stefanie worked across a range of multi- and bilateral international development organisations such as the World Bank, GIZ and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).  During her tenure there, she gained extensive experience in East Africa, South Asia and the Caucasus and in the facilitation of multi-stakeholder dialogue, policy advice and cross-cultural communication.

After her time in the industry, Stefanie immersed herself in academia, earning a PhD from King’s College London. Her research there examined the effects of large-scale forest restoration on water availability in the tropics. Skilled in water resource and geospatial modelling, Stefanie’s passion is helping companies better understand and act upon their environmental impacts. She’s a firm believer in enabling the private sector to step up and act for nature.

At Biodiversify, Stefanie delivers technical guidance on water resources and is an integral part of the spatial data science team. With her wide-ranging experience in the use of Earth Observation (EO) data and the development of spatial models, Stefanie’s mission is to bring remote sensing data into corporate environmental decision-making where sensible and feasible.

When she’s not working, Stefanie can often be found rock climbing, hiking, making her own seitan and reading food and history related non-fiction.

Dr Beth Robinson

Dr Beth Robinson, a consultant at Biodiversify, has carved out an impressive and diverse career in the ecological sector. Her professional journey includes impactful roles with WildTeam, Natural England, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and the Institute of Zoology at London Zoo, as well as various independent ecological projects. Beyond her professional achievements, Beth’s commitment to environmental causes is evident in her involvement with grassroots initiatives such as establishing a local bat group and co-founding Plastic Free Falmouth.

Beth’s academic journey includes a BSc in Zoology from Durham University and an MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation. Her deep dive into invasive species and human-wildlife interactions was the focus of her PhD in Biological Sciences. Her career highlights include her time with WildTeam, a charity providing professional support for conservationists, where she engaged in international conservation efforts, notably with the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme. Beth’s expertise in project management, developed through real-world experiences and mentorship from various professional teams, has been instrumental in her career.

Beth is passionate about staying active and engaging with nature. She has completed an ultramarathon in the past and embarked on a remarkable cycling journey that took her from Cornwall to the easternmost point in England, and then back to Land’s End. This adventure, full of scenic detours and discoveries, mirrors the energy and commitment she brings to Biodiversify. Her dynamic blend of professional expertise and personal zeal for nature and exploration adds a unique and vibrant dimension to our team.

Emily Kellett

Emily has been working for several years in the field of natural resource management and has extensive experience working with corporate businesses in the food & beverage sector. She has developed significant expertise in palm oil, soy, and other commodities including cocoa, sugar, coffee, and pulp paper packaging.

She has a track record of supporting companies to develop and implement robust responsible sourcing policies and strategies to address deforestation and conversion, through mapping their supply chains and improving traceability, through to engaging with their suppliers and supporting them to invest in priority landscapes on the ground, whilst ensuring alignment with sector best practice and regulatory requirements.

Emily is highly competent in project management, strategy development, stakeholder engagement and sector collaboration. Her passion lies in holistically addressing critical issues such as climate change, tropical deforestation loss and human rights, whilst recognising biodiversity’s central and crucial role and supporting businesses to synergise strategies to ensure positive outcomes.

Emily has a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Exeter.

 Outside of work, Emily enjoys running, playing football and being in the sea. She has also recently joined Biodiversify after spending 8 months travelling through Asia, Central and South America and has since been learning Spanish.

Jack Jarvie

Jack has joined Biodiversify as an analyst, bringing with them a rich background from roles at the Forestry Commission and LumiraDx. Their journey reflects a deep passion for biodiversity and a flair for coding, perfectly aligning with their new role.

The highlight of Jack’s career has been their groundbreaking MSc project on antbird dispersal in the Amazon. This work not only demonstrated Jack’s skill in R programming and QGIS but also their commitment to making a difference in the field of Environmental Conservation. With a BSc in zoology and an MSc and Quantitative Analysis in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Epidemiology, Jack has cultivated a robust foundation for their impactful work at Biodiversify.

At Biodiversify, Jack is excited to grow their skill set and contribute to meaningful projects. They bring the same meticulous attention to their work as they do to their hobbies. Whether it’s the careful crafting of Warhammer models or the joy of discovering new trails and bird species on their Scottish hikes, Jack’s hobbies reflect their detailed and immersive approach to life.

Jack’s love for the outdoors and their creative pursuits not only provide a balance to their analytical work but also keeps them deeply connected to the natural world they are passionate about protecting. Jack’s unique combination of professional expertise and personal passions makes them an invaluable member of the Biodiversify team.

Maria Morales S

María is a sustainability consultant with experience in biodiversity for the oil and gas sector. She has knowledge in sustainability reporting, integrating the “nature positive” approach into corporate strategies, and developing environmental projects to meet corporate goals. María has managed international environmental projects in Colombia, supported by European countries, and stays up to date with global biodiversity trends from the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework.

With a Master’s in Sustainability and Business and a Bachelor’s in Ecology, María brings a deep understanding of environmental regulations and corporate sustainability challenges. Her experience spans both public and private sectors, offering a broad perspective on adapting to evolving international sustainability standards.

Louisa Price

Louisa Price has joined Biodiversify as an analyst, bringing a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience. With an MSc in Data Science, her final project focused on tracking butterfly species richness across the UK under the pressures of climate change, Louisa is eager to apply her expertise to tackle any new challenges. She also holds a BSc in Biology, which deepened her understanding of the natural world and strengthened her passion for biodiversity.

Louisa’s skills in Python programming, along with her fieldwork experience in countries like South Africa, Ecuador, Portugal, and the Philippines, have helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of conservation efforts on a technical and practical scale. In addition to her technical skills, Louisa has valuable experience working collaboratively in a consultancy environment, where she honed her ability to work efficiently within diverse teams and deliver impactful solutions. Louisa enjoys learning and is always eager to expand her skills and take on new challenges.

Outside of her professional work, Louisa enjoys spending time on long walks through the South Downs and has a keen interest in illustration, drawing inspiration from both nature and art. Her experience in data management, data collection, and fundraising has provided her with a diverse skill set that she looks forward to building upon at Biodiversify. Motivated by a strong desire to make a positive impact, Louisa is excited to contribute to meaningful projects and drive positive change.

Rebekah Puttick

Rebekah is a consultant at Biodiversify who is driven by her desire to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world action. She has a strong academic background in Zoology (BSc), Biodiversity Conservation and Management (MSc) and Biology (PhD). Rebekah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, combining both technical skills with a social-ecological perspective that allows her to develop scientifically sound and socially relevant solutions. Her PhD research focused on the impacts of land-use change in Southeast Asia where she gained firsthand experience conducting field surveys and analysing ecological data.

Rebekah is passionate about developing innovative solutions for complex biodiversity challenges. As part of her role at Biodiversify, she will work with businesses to help them understand and manage their impacts on nature drawing from her skills in remote sensing, landscape-scale assessments and quantitative modelling.

Her love of nature extends beyond her professional pursuits. When she isn’t working, Rebekah can be found spending time outdoors. Whether it’s running, cycling or exploring the coast, her passion for nature and dedication to conservation inspire her to positively impact the planet.

Helena Hartshorne

Helena joined the Biodiversify team as a Junior Analyst, bringing a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for addressing complex environmental challenges. She holds an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Leeds and a BA in Environment and Business, demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach to solving environmental issues.

Her master’s thesis, a collaborative mixed-methods study on Decolonising the UK Conservation Curriculum, demonstrates her commitment to inclusive and innovative conservation education. Through interviews with staff and students across diverse institutions, she identified key barriers and solutions for fostering greater inclusivity within higher education. This project highlights her dedication to advancing the broader conservation field.

Helena brings valuable fieldwork experience, including landscape management research with the National Trust in the Yorkshire Dales and ecological data collection in Kenya, focusing on oxpeckers and their interactions with ungulates. Her master’s program further developed her analytical capabilities, with proficiency in QGIS and R for spatial analysis and statistical modeling.

Outside of work, Helena enjoys unwinding with a good book, movie nights with friends/family, ice skating, and language learning. She is excited to develop her expertise and contribute to innovative solutions for biodiversity challenges in her new role