Victoria R.

Environmental Scientist, Futures Thinker & Foresight Facilitator

London, England, United Kingdom

About

Passionate environmental scientist and foresight professional with a detailed understanding of climate adaptation, mitigation & resilience, global conservation issues and sustainability. Talented, driven and naturally inquisitive with a dynamic and proactive approach to problem-solving, I currently use systems and futures approaches to address cross-cutting evidence needs focusing on climate resilience, coasts and the water system. Excellent networking skills, innovative thinking and effective targeted communication combine with an analytical and logical thought process to create a unique approach to different challenges. I am always looking to further develop my abilities and knowledge in an inclusive and inspiring environment.

Experience

  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Full-time · 7 yrs 7 mos)
    • Senior Natural Scientist and Futures and Foresight Practitioner
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

      I lead a programme of work on Critical Socio-ecological Systems Transisitions, with specific interest and expertise in Climate & Ecological Security, Risk & Resilience.

    • Systems Research Scientist (Land Use, Climate & Biodiversity)
      Jan 2019 - Jan 2023 · 4 yrs 1 mo

  • Groundwork London (London Area, United Kingdom)
    • Corporate Partnerships Officer
      Feb 2018 - Jan 2019 · 1 yr

      With the overall aim of 'Changing Places, Changing Lives' through 'creating better places', 'greener living and working' and 'improving people's prospects', I look after the development, operational management and delivery of a financially self-sustaining corporate volunteering programme (practical and skills based), inspiring and motivating employees, as well as providing ongoing communication and developing further opportunities for partnership and support of Groundwork London's work.

    • Community Gardener
      Mar 2017 - Feb 2018 · 1 yr

      Maintenance, upkeep and running of an organic community vegetable garden (Mobile Garden City) based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford including preparation and delivery of community workshops, leading and organising volunteer activities, liaising with 3rd party organisations and planning corporate days. I also ran educational sessions and workshops around food and the environment across London and assisted with the Harvest Stomp festival and The London Upcycling Show.

  • University of Leicester (7 yrs 6 mos)
    • Biodiversty and Sustainability Researcher (EU TEMPUS)
      Sep 2013 - Feb 2017 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      Ort Braude College in Karmiel, Israel is the lead organisation for the Ecostar project. My role is to create and coordinate an online, distance learning CLIL course entitled 'Sustainable Futures' to be taken, in English, by students throughout Europe and in Israel. The course follows the flip learning model and has units on Globalisation, the role of technology in sustainable development, industrial ecology, corporate sustainability, politics and biodiversity. These units cover a wide range of topics, such as climate change, behaviour change, food security, green technologies and policy.

    • Postgraduate Researcher (Freshwater Ecology)
      Sep 2009 - Aug 2015 · 6 yrs

      A study of the soda lakes of East Africa and the implications for the feeding ecology of lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor). Studies into soda lake ecology (taxonomy, benthic and planktonic algal analysis, volume and calorific calculations); adaptive feeding behaviours; the energy budget of the lesser flamingo and flock distribution and density.

    • TEMPUS EFA Project Officer
      Oct 2010 - Sep 2013 · 3 yrs

      A project to increase the levels of English in HEIs in Israel. Taught a 'Thinking Skills Course'; compiled reports; developed feedback evaluation forms; formulation of guidelines for policy makers.

  • Freshwater Scientist and Communtity Engagement Manager at Welland Rivers Trust
    Sep 2012 - Jul 2015 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    Conduct algal and aquatic invertebrate sampling and biotype analysis. Identify periphyton species through TEM and SEM. Create a communications plan to be delivered across different media and platforms.Coordinate all the communications for the Welland for People and Wildlife Project in Market Harborough including TV appearances (East Midlands Today), Radio interviews (BBC Radio Leicester, Harborough FM), Newspaper articles (Harborough Mail, Leicester Mercury), a bi-monthly newsletter, face-to-face interviews, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and community meetings. Engage the community with the project through wildlife surveys, BioBlitz events themed around the local biodiversity, run activities with local schools and youth groups, organise guided walks and convey the benefits of urban river restoration.

  • Research/Teaching Assistant at Lakes of the Rift Valley
    Aug 2009 - Dec 2014 · 5 yrs 5 mos

    Conducted studies on the feeding behaviour and food of lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) at five Rift Valley lakes. Taught GIS and field spatial technology to Kenyan and Tanzanian young academic staff at Lake Natron, Tanzania; also assisted with bird ringing.