David.
I research and model ecosystems
Spatial scientist at Natural Capital Research. I use novel computational methods to model biodiversity and ecosystems around the world.
Former postgraduate research associate at Yale University. UCL graduate.
Hi, my name is
About Me
I’m an early career researcher modelling ecosystem services. I have a MSci degree in Biodiversity and Conservation from University College London, and an interest in the interactions between humans and ecosystems. I’m currently working as a spatial scientist with Natural Capital Research in London modelling ecosystem services to help incorporate nature dependency into the global financial system.
Some tools I've used in my previous work:
Some tools I've used in my previous work:
- R
- Python
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- Docker
- Slurm
- Metaflow
- QGIS
Experience
I am part of the Nature Engine team at Natcap, where I build models and metrics for double materiality analysis of agriculture and biodiversity and ecosystems. These models and metrics are core parts of the nature impact reporting product in development, to be released in time for when nature impact regulations and frameworks come into effect with the aim of reducing business impact on nature.
Models and metrics are aligned to major regualtions and frameworks, including:
- EU CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
- TNFD (Taskforce for Nature Related Finanical Disclosures)
- SBTN (Science Based Targets Network)
I was part of a large team effort to produce high-resolution, 1km2 maps of biodiversity across North America for over 4000 species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, ants, butterflies and dragonflies. These maps will be used to inform US governmental conservation strategies as part of the 30 by 30 project.
- Contributed additions to the modelling workflow
- Helped containerise the workflow using Docker
- Massively parallelised the workflow using Slurm and Microsoft Azure to run models for hundreds of species at once
- Also member of the centre seminar committee
Education
2017 - 2021
Master in Science in Biodiversity and Conservation
University College London
Result:
First Class Honours
Courses include:
- Computational Biology
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Ecological Patterns and Processes
- Dynamic Biological Systems
- Plant Evolution and Ecology
Extracurricular Activities:
- Academic secretary for UCL Biology Society
- ChangeMakers project member
- Social secretary for UCL Karate Club
2019 - 2020
Study Abroad Exchange Program
University of Queensland
Courses include:
- Landscape Ecology
- Conservation and Wildlife Biology
- Macroecology and Biogeography
- Tropical Marine Biology
Publications
Potential decline in the distribution and food provisioning services of the mopane worm (Gonimbrasia belina) in southern Africa
My first first-author paper, published in Frontiers of Biogeography, a peer-reviewed journal by the Internaional Biogeography Society. This was based on research I conducted as part of my final year project at UCL.
Contributed to an article written about my work in Mongabay
Mongabay is a non-profit conservation and environmental science news platform. They wrote an article about my work modelling the mopane worm, and the potential impacts of climate change on its distribution and food provisioning services.
Get In Touch
If you’re interested in my work, or want to collaborate on a project, get in touch below!