Hello! I’m sure you have all heard of me by now, from my many, many emails! But in case you haven’t, I started as the new Operations Executive here at BSAS back in March this year. Although new to the role, I am no stranger to animal science, having come from a zoo background. I worked as a keeper at a small animal park on the edge of the beautiful Peak District for many years before BSAS. As well as some years in veterinary practice, specifically in emergency and critical care. I still also volunteer for the UK Wild Otter Trust as a fundraising and communications officer because, well, I LOVE OTTERS. My academic journey was also very “zoo” focused, having attended Nottingham Trent University for my BSc in Zoo Biology, before doing my MSc in Zoo Management & Conservation at Askham Bryan in York. My love of all thing's “zoo” follows me to my home in Sheffield, with my own menagerie consisting of a cat, parrot, frog and axolotls!  

Starting at BSAS it is no exaggeration to say I was thrown in at the deep-end, having to attend the 2025 conference in Galway little over a month after starting! As daunting as this was, I had an amazing time and was lucky enough to meet in person some of our lovely members. The big thing I noticed at BSAS, which I felt was lacking in other conferences I have attended, was a real community feel. I had heard people referring to BSAS as a “family” and after Galway, I couldn’t agree more. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and made for a great atmosphere!! As anxious and as “out-of-place" I felt, I can honestly say, I cannot wait for the next one!  

Now going forward, one of my main roles is managing membership now it has been transferred to back in-house. One of the key aims is that I want to ensure that we are offering something for everyone and that all members feel the value in their BSAS membership. I have had the chance to review your feedback from the membership survey that was sent out earlier this year, and one thing was clear—you want more training and CPD opportunities. So that is something I am hoping to deliver. It will also come as no surprise given my background,  that I hope to expand our offering and make “animal science” more encompassing, with a bigger focus on different animal groups, including domestic, companion, and zoo animals.  So, watch this space!!!