Science/Engagement Intern
Nia works on the data analysis and reporting of the Lough Neagh Stakeholder Engagement project, monitoring predation of breeding waterbirds in partnership with local wildfowlers. She is also writing a report on using remote-sensing technology to monitor tystie predators and researches the impacts of woodland restoration on bird populations in the Faughan Valley. Finally, Nia helps organise and deliver a range of engagement projects and events hosted by BTO NI, both online and in person.
Interests and responsibilities
Growing up fascinated by birds, Nia wanted to become an ornithologist from a young age. Her interest in birds was not particularly encouraged by teachers and peers, and she was only able to discover the wider birding community at university. Since then, she has been birdwatching regularly to build her bird identification skills and is passionate about encouraging people to engage with their local birds.
Before starting at BTO NI, Nia completed a research master's at Imperial College London investigating the drivers of plastic ingestion in seabirds around the world. She was based at the Natural History Museum for the duration of her project, where she enjoyed getting involved in science outreach events. Prior to her master’s, Nia did a placement at Jersey Zoo, where she learned practical animal husbandry and researched the optimal incubation conditions of the Vulnerable Pink Pigeon, endemic to Mauritius. She has also volunteered for a range of surveys including breeding birds, reptiles, amphibians, grasslands, bats and butterflies. In her free time, Nia enjoys birdwatching and bird photography, and is excited to explore Northern Ireland’s best birdwatching spots!
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with a year in research, Imperial College London, 2024
MRes Living Planet: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, Imperial College London, 2025
Recent BTO publications
Other publications
Potapova, K., Whitford, H., Hodge, J.A. and Price, E. (2025), Optimal Weight Loss of Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) Eggs During Incubation. Zoo Biology, 44: 324-331. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21898