With a career spanning 25 years and multiple disciplines I have a wide range of expertise including research; teaching; plant conservation; ecological assessments; population genetics; plant cultivation; living collections and seed bank curation; botanic garden staff and operations management; financial management; HR management, including conflict resolution; diversity and inclusion, and staff recruitment. I am proficient in a wide range of word processing, data management and analytical computer software. I have developed and managed numerous projects and published popular and academic articles, book chapters. A passionate communicator, I present botanical and horticultural topics to specialist and general interest audiences around the world. I have a comprehensive knowledge cultivated and wild plants – with emphasis on the floras of Ireland the Arabian Peninsula.

As Head of Botany and Conservation at Oman Botanic Garden (OBG) I am a member of the senior management team. I am closely involved with a range of management roles including garden operations; developing and managing departmental strategies; collections policies; budget planning; staff recruitment; staff training, and the development of international partnerships. I am the focal point between the scientific, living collections, and education departments – promoting and ensuring interdepartmental communication and cohesion.

From 2012 to 2016 I was a key member of the OBG master-planning and design team. The international multidisciplinary team made up of global experts in science, engineering, architecture, landscape design, education – interpretation and business planning produced an exceptional botanic garden masterplan and detailed garden design. From 2016 to 2020 I have been an integral part of the OBG operations and advisory team ensuring the integrity of the design intent and overseeing the construction and planting of two state of the art glasshouse-biomes, visitor center, education spacies, five external habitats, extensive amenity landscape spaces, cafes, shops and outdoor event spaces. The OBG project is truly innovative and globally unique in its mission and vision – being an important part of its inception and development has provided me with a comprehensive set of skills and experiences.