I am a benthic marine ecologist with over 20 years of research experience in marine ecology, with a focus on biodiversity and early life-history processes and connectivity of deep-sea benthos, and a particular interest in ocean sustainability. I have expertise in international project management and an international network of contacts within science and other stakeholders, including leading roles in INDEEP (International Network for Scientific Investigations of Deep-Sea Ecosystem) DOSI (Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative) and IUCN-CEM.