My research with the Allaby lab group focuses on the use of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to reconstruct past environments. Currently I am working on reconstructing the paleoenvironment of Bouldnor Cliff – a submerged Mesolithic forest that is located just off the coast of the Isle of Wight. I work within a dedicated ancient DNA facility within the School of Life Sciences, and use a range of next generation sequencing techniques (NextSeq, and NovaSeq). A large part of my research is also focused on understanding sedaDNA taphonomy – the processes that affect DNA deposition and retention in the environment – which is key to accurately reconstructing past environments.