London, England, United Kingdom
Research interests in behavioural and evolutionary ecology, with a particular focus on mating systems, mate choice, individual variation and plasticity in reproductive behaviours, the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of behavioural traits on fitness, and the application of this knowledge to enhance conservation translocations, breeding programs, and ecological monitoring techniques. One publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Preparing three more articles for publication. Previously worked in the ecological sector as an Assistant Ecologist at Thomson Environmental Consultants, on a great crested newt translocation project with rewilding organisation Ecosulis, and providing protected species surveys on a freelance basis. Also worked in wildlife conservation research with Nottingham Trent University after receiving funding from PTES and ACO UK to conduct a large-scale field study of hedgehog population connectivity and interactions with road tunnels across the UK. Volunteered in amphibian disease research at the Institute of Zoology, ZSL, amongst other short-term ecological voluntary roles. Completed research at The Centre for Biological Diversity at University of St Andrews as part of MSc(Res) Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution. Broad research area involved the investigation of ultimate evolutionary causes of same-sex sexual behaviour. Graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation (Study Abroad) from Lancaster University, and awarded the James Baxter Memorial Prize. Studied on exchange at University of Wollongong, Australia. Member of the British Ecological Society, British Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Royal Society of Biology (MRSB), Yorkshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, West Yorkshire Bat Group, Qualifying Member of CIEEM, and Contributor to the Janet Cosh Herbarium. Holds a Level 1 GCN licence and Home Office Personal Licence (PIL). ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6779-5272 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Orkz_zMAAAAJ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eleanor_Tinsley Bluesky: @ektinsley.bsky.social Twitter: @ektinsley
Engaging members of the public and aspiring conservation professionals in discussions about the global biodiversity crisis, wildlife conservation, conservation careers, and the current research being conducted at the Institute of Zoology. Presentations: National Careers Week Green Careers Showcase Event Panelist at ZSL (2026) Pride in STEM "LGBTQIA+ in Science" event Presenter at ZSL (2025) The King's Trust "Get Started in Zoos and Conservation" event Presenter at ZSL (2025) ZSL Wildlife and Conservation Careers Conference Presenter & Panelist (2024 & 2025) Royal Veterinary College "Get Your Grades" event for GSCE students Presenter (2024) ZSL Zoo Nights Engagement Assistant & Talkeoke Presenter (2023 & 2024) Awards: ZSL Student Award for Promoting EDI Through Public Engagement (2025) ZSL Science and Conservation Public Engagement Award (2024)
Providing assistance on the following modules: - BIOL0061: Collaborative Project in the Biological Sciences (Dr. Tim Newbold & Dr. Lazaros Foukas) - Providing year-long student research project supervision, leading and facilitating tutorials, one-to-one support, and assignment feedback. - BIOL0055: Biodiversity and Conservation (Dr. Jim Labisko) - Providing demonstration and support for student zoological specimen analysis in the Grant Museum of Zoology and grading student assignments. - BIOL0035: Vertebrate Life and Evolution (Dr. Jim Labisko) - Providing demonstration and support for student zoological specimen analysis in the Grant Museum of Zoology, organising and presenting in a vertebrate research symposium, and grading student assignments. - BIOL0020: Sex, Genes, and Evolution (Dr. Flo Camus & Prof. Andrew Pomiankowski) - Leading tutorials and grading student assignments. - BIOL0002: First Year Core Skills (Dr. Jim Labisko) - Leading and facilitating student debate and flash talk sessions and providing individual student presentation feedback. - Providing exam invigilation services for various Biosciences modules. Awarded Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) (November 2025).
Facilitated Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions for the Health and Welfare of Captive Wild Animals module for the MSc Wild Animal Biology / Health courses.
Tutor on The Scholars Programme teaching and grading a self-designed university-level course based on my PhD research to Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils. Course title: “Nurturing Nature: Using Animal Behaviour Research to inform Wildlife Conservation.”
Offered additional role beyond the end of my initial employment contract to undertake survey work on a casual basis.
Assisted in a range of field- and desk-based tasks, such as conducting great crested newt surveys (including Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment, eDNA sampling, egg searching, refugia searching, torching, and bottle trapping), bat surveys (dusk emergence surveys, dawn re-entry surveys, and ground-level roost assessments), landowner engagement, field supply and equipment maintenance, and administrative duties including report proof-reading, marketing tasks, and generating content for the company website. As part of this role I also undertook several internal training courses and delivered toolbox talks and training to other members of staff.