WOMEN IN SEABIRD SCIENCE
Claudia Tapia Harris
she/her
Conservation Scientist
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Discipline
Behaviour, Conservation, Population Dynamics, Reproductive Biology & Life History, Migration & Movement Ecology
Regional Focus
Scotland
Years Active
0-2 years
Species Focus
Auks (Alcidae), Gulls and Terns (Laridae), Gannets and Boobies (Sulidae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
My work aims to provide a better understanding of the potential impacts of renewable energy developments on seabird populations within the UK, mainly in Scotland, and to identify effective strategies for mitigating these effects. While my current role involves primarily office-based work, I hope to get back into the action soon!
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
There is nothing quite like being surrounded by thousands and thousands of noisy, smelly, and majestic seabirds. I strongly encourage seeking hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, research positions, or any other programmes that will get you to these places. Don’t be afraid to ask, email, or call whoever you think could help you get there. The worst that can happen is they say no; the best, that you end up in a magical place, meeting incredible people along the way!
Claudia wearing a grey jacket between a rock wall in Scotland. There is a squared hole in the middle of the wall where you can see cliffs in the background.
Email:
Website:
Twitter:
@ClaudiaTapiah
Instagram:
@clautapiah