Meet The Team

Rebecca Bridge

Rebecca started her PhD at NOCS in 2022. She has a keen interest in the ecophysiology of marine animals, particularly when challenged by climate change. During her PhD, she is investigating the impact of ocean acidification on fish physiology, including on reproduction and development, metabolism, and gene expression. Rebecca received her MRes Degree from the University of Plymouth where she investigated whether thermal or hypoxic acclimation alters subsequent tolerance under acute stressor exposure in an estuarine amphipod. Additionally, time was spent at Stockholm University studying the impact of thermal acclimation on the biomechanics and energetics of a tropical damselfish. In her spare time, she loves to rock climb, swim, and cook tasty vegan food.

Oscar Speed

Oscar started his PhD in September 2023, studying the impact of ocean warming and acidification on the developmental physiology of sharks. He is principally interested in animal ecophysiology under anthropogenic stress including climate change, but is also interested in understanding demographic shifts and the selective processes that shape populations undergoing stress. Oscar is originally from Northumberland and graduated from University of Plymouth with a BSc (hons) and MRes in Marine Biology, during which he studied stressor ecophysiology and selective mortality of intertidal molluscs. Like a lot of marine biologists, Oscar loves to spend time in the sea outside of work too – surfing, swimming, snorkelling and everything in between. 

Amy Jeffries

Amy started her PhD in September 2023.

Irene Ruiz Espejo

Irene is a third-year marine biology student at the University of Southampton focusing on the impact of ocean acidification on catshark embryos. She has a keen interest in sustainable fisheries management and investigating the effects of climate change on fish physiology and biomass rebuilding. In addition, her multidisciplinary background in economics and experience as a sustainable investments analyst also drives her curiosity about socio-economic factors in fisheries, especially in relation to food security and the livelihoods of artisanal fishers and local communities. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the ocean above and below the surface,  scuba diving, free diving and kitesurfing.

Irene won funding from the Fisheries Society of the British Isles for an internship. She will be looking specifically at ion channels in fish embryos developing in acidified seawater.