I am a conservation scientist aiming to measure and improve the management of threatened ecosystems. My primary interests are the quantification of human and environmental influences on species and ecosystem health; and the implications of these for people and conservation. My research has assessed the impacts of tropical forest damage on plant and animal biodiversity, population density, and biomass. I mainly work in tropical forests with a focus on Tanzania (East Africa), but my data have contributed to continental, tropical and worldwide assessments of species, biomass and productivity.

My current Forest Restoration and Climate Experiment (FoRCE) is investigating patterns in natural and managed recovery of forests across the tropics, including the influence of vines. I am also developing new methods for forest restoration, landscape planning, and selecting conservation indicators. My broader research also assesses the impacts of protected areas and forest health on people in developing countries and also the worldwide conservation and educational role of zoos.

I am dedicated to achieving practical results from my research findings. My work has contributed information for the improved management of forest health, natural resources in African villages, and conservation planning/monitoring. I established and directed Reforest Africa, a not-for-profit company, and the Udzungwa Forest Project, a partnership with Flamingo Land. Through these initiatives I direct the management of a tropical forest Nature Reserve. I have also developed and implemented a biodiversity action planning approach for zoos.