The Leverhulme Programme for Doctoral
Training in Ecological Data Science

My journey began with the unusual winter of 2010-11 where Scotland was covered in snow for a long time and I began to feed the wildlife in my local woodland, which rekindled my childhood interest in birds. I am entirely home-grown at the University of Glasgow, having completed both my undergraduate degree in Zoology (some years ago) and (more recently) a Masters degree in Quantitative Methods in Biodiversity, Conservation & Epidemiology here. Thus my spiritual home is the Graham Kerr/Zoology building and "the Institute" (IBAHCM) as it was called in those halcyon days; I have many happy memories from the Birds & Clocks research group led by Barbara Helm. My birdy inclinations eventually led to a project that introduced me to processing-intensive modelling methods, but I have not lost my fondness for natural history, notably birds, bugs and botany.

Being a generalist, I wanted to avoid the narrow focus that a PhD specialism often entails. I was attracted to the broad scope topic of "ecological data science" which can encompass a multitude of biological processes, methods and technologies, and to the rotation project structure that allows students and PIs to work together for a few months to explore research directions and get to know each other before committing to a final 3-year project.

Before academia my professional life was in software delivery as a QA/test engineer, which means I found bugs for a living, and arguably I am still better at breaking code than building it. When I'm not in front of a computer I sometimes play guitar or piano (poorly, but with enthusiasm). My life is permeated by music. If you hear someone singing on campus, seemingly without any self-awareness, it is probably me, and it's perfectly okay to tell me to pipe down.

Hey, I’m Mathilde Lindeman, a member of the first cohort in the Leverhulme Programme in Ecological Data Science. I began my academic journey with a Bachelor's in Physics and Astronomy, focusing strongly on computer science and AI, followed by a Master's in Forest and Nature Conservation. I completed both degrees in my home country, the Netherlands, although I also spent time at universities in Singapore and Czechia.

During my physics studies, I missed the practical aspect of research—getting out there, getting my hands dirty, and making a tangible impact. However, nature conservation didn’t offer the same depth of opportunity to engage in hard sciences and intensive programming. This research opportunity, however, is the perfect fit for me. I loved the interdisciplinarity of the program, and the way the PhD is structured allows me to explore various research groups and topics to find the one that aligns best with my interests.

I’m particularly excited to learn more about ecosystem functioning and the interactions between wildlife and the rest of the natural world. My goal for the next few years is to dive deep into a new ecosystem, both physically and mathematically, to better understand how it works. I hope this knowledge can be used to help nature conservation.

So far, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the short projects we undertake during the first year of the program. It feels like we get to skip the typical uncertainty that accompanies starting a new topic. Where I hear from friends that it takes months—or even a year—to grasp the essentials and find solid footing in their research, we’ve been given the opportunity to explore potential topics through a three-month crash course. By the time I begin my own research, I will already be more than familiar with the topic, approaches, and my supervisors. I look forward to diving headfirst into on of the projects for three years, further developing the mathematical tools needed to understand the natural world.

I never expected to end up in ecological data science — my academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Wyoming. My fascination with how stories and data intersect then led me to pursue a Master of Science in Applied Statistics, where I discovered the power of statistics in answering environmental questions.

During my master’s programme, I had the privilege of collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a project addressing the challenges relating to aerial surveys of pronghorn. Prior to this, I was a paid intern at WEST, Inc., an environmental and statistical consulting company, where I investigated the germination and survival rates of Whitebark Pine. These experiences solidified my interest in statistical ecology. I loved seeing real-world applications of statistics that directly contributed to conservation efforts.

As you may have gathered, I’m now a PhD student in the Leverhulme Programme in Ecological Data Science at the University of Glasgow. It’s exciting to be part of a programme that matches my research interests so well, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the next few years will bring. What initially drew me to this programme was its interdisciplinary nature. I get to learn from faculty across diverse fields, and being part of such an academically multifaceted cohort makes the experience even more rewarding. Everyone brings a unique perspective, and I’m constantly learning from my peers.

Outside of uni, you’ll most likely find me hiking, exploring nature, or reading.

The convergence of ecology, data science and health research has consistently captured my scientific interests. During my nearly decade-long professional experience and academic pursuits, I have attained a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology, followed by a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology in Kenya. Throughout this journey, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to a multidisciplinary or/and interdisciplinary exploration.

Additionally, my experience as a research scientist at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research has further highlighted that there is need for a timely, innovative investigations into how ecosystem features influence the biology and dynamics of zoonotic pathogens. My goal is to be part of a scientific community that shapes a future where research science and technological advancements in data science play a pivotal role in overcoming the health challenges that continue to afflict the global ecosystem.

The Leverhulme Programme for Doctoral Training in Ecological Data Science, with its interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex research problems, deeply aligns with both my academic and professional aspirations. With passion in capacity development and mentorship, I look forward to sharing my expertise and experience to the next generation of scientists.

Outside the scientific world, I enjoy connecting with nature through walks, hikes, road-trips and moments of pure enjoyments.