Sally Thorpe

• Please introduce yourself.  

I’m Sally Thorpe and I am an ecosystem modeller and leader of the Pelagic Ecosystems group at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

• Tell us about your professional and academic career before becoming part of the BIOPOLE Community. 

After doing a degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, I stayed on in the fine city of Norwich to do a PhD in physical oceanography as a CASE student with BAS, focussing on the ocean circulation of the Scotia Sea in the Southwest Atlantic and its impact on the ecosystem, and that’s what I’ve been doing pretty much ever since here at BAS. I use a wide range of data and analysis tools, including modelling, to investigate the environmental drivers for the ecological variability that we observe in the Southern Ocean.

• What do you do within BIOPOLE?  

My main contribution is through WP2. Part of my research focuses on investigating the transport of small-but-mighty copepods during their diapause and the impact of this on carbon export using individual based modelling, working closely with Emma Young and our ace biologists to make sure that our modelling is based on best available knowledge. This research links to WP3 where we make sure that our modelling efforts are joined up as best we can. I’ve also been involved in planning and delivery of fieldwork for the Southern Ocean aspects of BIOPOLE.

• What have you enjoyed about BIOPOLE so far? 

I’m really enjoying BIOPOLE, both delving into the science and working with the great team that we have. I recently took part in the BIOPOLE II cruise on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, returning to my observational physical oceanography roots after a brief 20-year break. It was the perfect reintroduction to fieldwork: a multidisciplinary cruise with a team of highly skilled, lovely people made for a productive and fun time at sea, with lots to take forwards now we’re home.

• Tell us about a skill or trait unique to you that you would like to share? 

I’m a keen netball player and happy northerner, two traits that aligned at the 2019 Yorkshire Open Egg Throwing Championship where my teammate/daughter and I won the silver medal, following in the footsteps of previous winner England footballer Beth Mead.