Aisha Phillips, Marine Biologist in Co. Galway
I’m a mature student transitioning from a legal background to a career in marine ecology.
I am particularly interested in eDNA, genetics, molecular ecology and microbes as biological indicators. I am passionate about our environment and hope to support the conservation of Irish habitats and species.
As a future researcher, I aspire to work collaboratively with stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities to develop evidence-based conservation strategies that promote sustainable fishing, protect biodiversity, and ensure the long-term well-being of Irish species and habitats through non-invasive monitoring methods.
If you share a passion for the environment, conservation, or anything fun and nerdy, reach out!
Click the button or continue below to learn more about my experience and qualifications
About me
I live in east Galway with my fiancé and our two cats. I have a previous degree in Environmental Science with Ecology from ATU Sligo and am currently completing a degree in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology at ATU Galway.
My hobbies include sailing (GP-14s), sea swimming, hiking, reading and anything crafty. I volunteer my spare time with Irish Whale and Dolphin Group as a stranding responder, as well as sampling volunteer for the Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bank, and with Seal Rescue Ireland as a rescue volunteer.
My Interests
Passionate about exploring eDNA, genetics, and molecular ecology, to unravel the known unknowns and support conservation efforts.
Time spent in a lab working on puzzles, testing new methods and exploring the world around us.
I have experience working with marine mammals but am also interested in elasmobranchs, salmonids, and biological indicators.
Fieldwork and surveys, especially offshore. Whether its photo identification or sample collection, I love any time on the water!
Work placement at the Marine Institute
I’m currently undertaking my 3rd year work placement with the Benthos Ecology team at the Marine Institute.
FinFinder: an app to identify Irish Cetaceans
FinFinder has been awarded a Small Recording Projects Grant from National Parks and Wildlife Service !
These grants aim to to "encourage and support the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to foster the next generation of specialist recorders. Grants are aimed at volunteer recorders, or groups and associations of recorders who have limited or no access to financial support for their work."
I am developing FinFinder to help the general public correctly identify cetaceans in Irish waters. It has been designed as a pictorial dichotomous key and recording tool that is interactive, engaging, and simple to use.
“We are the only species on Earth that have the intelligence and the way of communicating that together makes it possible to realise what has been going on – the consequences of what we are doing now.”
- Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
