Heidi graduated with a BSc in Biological Science in Brazil, an international MSc in Marine Biodiversity & Conservation and, a PhD in Aquatic Ecology in Ireland. She is part of ATU’s lecturing staff teaching subjects related to Marine Biology, Conservation and Environmental Science. She also coordinates the MSc in Applied Marine Conservation. Her main research is on seabird ecology and interactions with anthropogenic contaminants, such as plastics and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), with a focus on environmental policy. She has experience on seabird and sea turtle ecology, including field and laboratory skills. She lead a citizen science project called ‘The Republic of Ireland Beached Bird Survey’, in which volunteers collect beached seabirds to be used for plastic litter research.