I am an environmental social scientist with a research focus on the interactions between humans and nature, primarily, but not exclusively, in coastal and estuarine areas. My research examines how communities adapt, transform, and build resilience against climate change impacts, and how spatial and contextual factors influence these processes. I am very interested in understanding how different groups perceive coastal and marine nature-based solutions. I aim to understand the extent to which communities and other stakeholders can collaboratively develop these solutions, as well as how their knowledge is valued and integrated into the decision-making process. I employ a mixed-methods approach and participatory research, using systems thinking and environmental justice frameworks to guide my work.

From November 2021 to September 2025, I served as a postdoctoral research associate on the interdisciplinary NERC-ESRC funded project “Co-Opt.” In this role, I investigated the factors that influence the social acceptance of nature-based solutions as strategies for adapting to sea-level rise and storm surges in the UK. Additionally, I have been exploring the role of blue carbon ecosystems as nature-based solutions and identifying policy gaps and opportunities in India.

PhD in Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, 2022

MSc in Rural Development and Natural Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2016

BSc in Biology, University of Latvia, 2012