Since 2009, MASTS has supported and trained over 200 PhD researchers through it’s graduate school, trusted by MASTS Partners to offer training and exposure to careers no single instutuion can provide. Meet some of our alumni below…
To see the full list of our 200+ alumni, their projects and current roles, please head to our studentships page here.
PhD: Understanding benthic productivity on artificial structures: maximising the benefits of marine renewable energy devices. SAMS, UHI and Heriot-Watt University. Viva passed in 2016.
Now: Principal Scientific Adviser at Environmental Standards Scotland. Sally uses the expertise developed during her PhD to shape regulatory decisions that protect Scotland’s waters from over-exploitation and enable the Scottish Government to meet national and international targets.
PhD: Developing and testing approaches for Marine Spatial Planning: the case for aquaculture. Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University & Marine Scotland Science. Passed viva 2015.
Now: Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University. Lauren currently leads a 5-year project with HX Expeditions, to promote global awareness and support the conservation of Arctic whale species and evidence-based management strategies.
PhD: The effects of underwater sound on the early life-stages of marine invertebrates. Edinburgh Napier University. Viva passed in 2022.
Now: Senior Environmental Consultant (Marine) at Royal HaskoningDHV. With a background in Marine ecology and impacts of offshore renewables on fish and shellfish, Ed now works on the consenting process for offshore windfarms in the UK and further afield, leading on inputs to EIAs, HRAs, consent condition compliance, post-consent monitoring and license applications.
PhD: Changes in Marine Mammal habitat use relative to fish-farm scarer-noise off western Scotland. SAMS, UHI. Viva passed 2022.
Now: Marine Mammal Ecologist at NatureScot and Director of Conservation Detection Dogs Scotland. Read more about her dog, Sgiath, who won the IFAW Animal Action Award for pioneering detection of the highly invasive marine carpet sea squirt!
PhD: Movements, areas of importance and sustainability of Scottish Elasmobranchs. University of Aberdeen. Viva passed 2015.
Now: Professor at Edinburgh Napier University. James’ research specialises in sharks and rays (elasmobranchs), leading international projects to understand and protect the critically endangered flapper skate found across Scottish seas and lochs. In 2025, MASTS secured funding for a groundbreaking project studying sharks and skates in Scottish waters – The SharkScape Project. James is the lead Principal Investigator for this £1 million project.
PhD: The Development of Underwater Visual Surveys to Support Environmental Monitoring and Fisheries Management. University of Aberdeen. Viva passed 2014.
Now: Founder of Greyhope Bay. Using her passions for the coast, outreach and her entrepenurials skills, Fiona founded an award‑winning charity dedicated to marine education and conservation in Aberdeen: Greyhope Bay, attracting over 100,000 visitors a year.
PhD: Marine mammal habitat use along the east coast of Scotland using passive acoustic monitoring. University of St Andrews & Marine Scotland Science. Viva passed in 2020.
Now: Acoustic Ecologist at Ocean Associates, Inc as a NOAA subcontractor and former Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University, USA. Kaitlin uses a unique blend of skills across physics, mathematics, biology, and ecology to evaluate the acoustic habitat in and around wind lease areas on the US west coast.
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