Education and Experience
Before founding Simpson Environmental Consulting, I built my career over the last thirteen years across environmental consulting, academia, government, and the renewable energy sector. I have delivered projects ranging from environmental impact assessments and regulatory support, to marine water quality and climate change resilience studies. I have provided scientific and technical advice to federal, provincial, and municipal governments, Indigenous Nations, and international agencies.
Education
I hold a BSc in Environmental Science and a MSc in Renewable Energy from the University of Reading; and a Ph.D. in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University. My research focused on ocean acidification, coastal biogeochemistry, and the resilience of shellfish aquaculture.
My doctoral research involved designing and leading a multi-year field program in partnership with shellfish growers across the Salish Sea, collecting and analysing carbon, oxygen, and nutrient data to better understand water quality and the processes driving ocean acidification. The findings were reported and communicated to and for the growers, in order to help manage and adapt to changing environmental conditions. I developed innovative modelling approaches to reconstruct historical changes in seawater chemistry and improve predictions of carbonate system conditions in estuarine environments.
I also applied internationally recognised IPCC vulnerability assessment methods to evaluate the risks of ocean acidification to coastal communities in British Columbia.
This combination of field research, environmental modelling, and applied climate risk assessment provides the scientific foundation for my consulting work supporting governments, Indigenous Nations, industry, and coastal resource managers.
Experience
Senior Environmental Scientist, DHI Water & Environment (2022–2026)
As a Senior Environmental Scientist, I have managed and delivered applied marine and coastal science projects for clients across government, Indigenous Nations, and industry. My work has included environmental impact assessments, ecological modelling, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions for coastal environments.
I have provided scientific advice to organisations including Transport Canada, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), NOAA, the Government of Prince Edward Island, and Metro Vancouver, supporting regulatory processes and evidence-based environmental decision-making. Alongside technical leadership, I have managed projects from proposal to completion, led scientific reporting, coordinated multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder workshops, and worked closely with clients to deliver practical, defensible solutions..
Physical Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2020-2022)
As a Physical Scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, I supported national coastal monitoring, climate science, and fish habitat protection programs through the analysis and management of marine biogeochemical data.
My work focused on coastal water quality, ocean carbon chemistry, and long-term environmental monitoring, contributing to Canada's understanding of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.
I collaborated with First Nations and government scientists to interpret environmental data for regional monitoring programs and supported regulatory review of proposed in-water developments under the Fisheries Act, including technical assessments and associated consultation processes.
Renewable Energy Project Manager, Anesco and Coriolis Energy (2012- 2015)
Early in my career, I worked in the United Kingdom's renewable energy sector, leading the development and environmental assessment of utility-scale wind and solar energy projects. I managed projects from site selection through to regulatory approval, coordinating multidisciplinary teams of environmental specialists, engineers, planners, and technical consultants to deliver robust environmental impact assessments and planning applications.
My role involved identifying environmental constraints, integrating technical studies into project design, advising senior management on project strategy and risk, and leading engagement with regulators, local authorities, and community stakeholders.