Grace Dillon

Graduate Aquatic Ecologist | Freshwater & Marine Ecology | Environmental Monitoring

Graduate Aquatic Ecologist with a First-Class BSc in Marine Biology and an MSc (Merit) in Zoo and Aquatic Conservation Biology, combining practical experience across freshwater and marine ecological surveys, laboratory analysis and environmental monitoring. My experience spans river health assessments, benthic sampling, macroinvertebrate identification, water quality monitoring, aquatic animal health, marine field surveys and ecological data analysis. I have worked alongside marine scientists, ecologists and conservation practitioners within research, aquarium and field environments, developing a strong understanding of ecological survey methods, technical reporting and scientific best practice. I enjoy working outdoors, solving ecological problems and contributing to multidisciplinary projects that deliver positive environmental outcomes.

graceedillon@hotmail.com07889 867229Buckinghamshire

Experience

Husbandry Placement Student

National Marine Aquarium

2024 – 2025

  • Monitoring water quality through routine testing of dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate.
  • Conducting microscopic examination of skin scrapes, gill biopsies and faecal samples to identify parasites and support preventative animal healthcare.
  • Maintaining accurate husbandry and water quality records.
  • Supporting environmental management through water changes, filtration maintenance and aquatic system monitoring.
  • Working collaboratively with aquarists, veterinary staff and conservation teams.
  • Maintaining high standards of biosecurity, animal welfare and health & safety.

Marine Ecology Volunteer

Marine Biological Association

2021 – 2021

  • Collecting benthic samples using beam trawls and Van Veen grabs.
  • Sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates and other benthic fauna.
  • Identifying taxa including polychaetes, crustaceans and elasmobranch species.
  • Recording ecological data accurately.
  • Working safely aboard research vessels.

Marine Conservation Volunteer

GVI, Tenerife

2022 – 2022

  • Opportunistic cetacean surveys
  • Photo-identification using dorsal fins
  • Recording environmental conditions
  • Behavioural observations
  • Monitoring tourism compliance within the MPA
  • Biological data entry

Projects

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Freshwater Ecology

Completed freshwater ecological surveys across rivers surrounding Paignton, Devon, using kick-sampling techniques to collect benthic macroinvertebrates. Identified freshwater taxa using dichotomous keys before assessing ecological condition using BMWP and ASPT scoring systems, developing practical experience in freshwater biological monitoring and laboratory taxonomy.

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Southern Stingray Cognition (MSc Dissertation)

Designed and carried out an independent behavioural research project investigating cognitive performance in captive Southern Stingrays (Hypanus americanus). Managed experimental design, behavioural observations and statistical analysis using R, applying binary logistic regression to interpret complex ecological datasets.

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Elasmobranch Stable Isotope Research

Completed a laboratory-based undergraduate dissertation investigating whether stable isotope signatures within elasmobranch eggcases could identify nursery habitats and feeding ecology. The work has resulted in co-authorship of a manuscript currently under review.

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Ecological Field Research

Designed and completed habitat surveys investigating lichen competition during a residential field course at the Field Studies Council, Millport. Used dichotomous keys to identify species before undertaking stratified quadrat and transect surveys to investigate ecological interactions.

Skills

Freshwater macroinvertebrate surveysKick samplingBMWP & ASPT assessmentAquatic taxonomyMarine benthic ecologyRiver health assessmentHabitat surveysSpecies identificationMarine Protected Area monitoringBeam trawl surveysVan Veen grab samplingTransects & quadratsBehavioural observationsCetacean photo-identificationEnvironmental monitoringBiological recordingMacroinvertebrate identificationStereo & compound microscopyWater chemistry analysisParasite identificationStable isotope sample preparationEA-IRMSSample processingR & RStudioArcGISMicrosoft ExcelWordPowerPoint

Education

University of Plymouth

University of Liverpool

Certifications

  • Qualifying Member — CIEEM
  • Field Studies Council — UK Habitat Mapping
  • Field Studies Council — Introduction to GIS for Ecologists

Career highlights

January 2024

  • Started: Husbandry Placement Student at National Marine Aquarium

    National Marine Aquarium

January 2022

  • Started: Marine Conservation Volunteer at GVI, Tenerife

    GVI, Tenerife

January 2021

  • Started: Marine Ecology Volunteer at Marine Biological Association

    Marine Biological Association

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