I am a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Southampton.

My primary research interests are animal welfare, ethics, and consciousness. I recently received the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award 2026 for my "innovative, interdisciplinary approach and [my] growing impact on both the science and ethics of animal welfare".

My book, What Are Zoos For? coauthored with Walter Veit, is now available via Bristol University Press and most online retailers.

I have previously worked as a researcher in animal sentience and welfare at the London School of Economics, as part of the Foundations of Animal Sentience project. I was part of the research team who produced a report for DEFRA reviewing the evidence of sentience in cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans, leading to an amendment of the UK's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act to include their protection. I completed my PhD at the Australian National University, with a thesis on the measurement of animal welfare.

I also worked for many years as a zookeeper and zoo animal welfare officer, interested in the practical application of animal welfare measurement.

My partner Walter Veit is also a philosopher/scientist.

Get in touch at [email protected]