Sicily Fiennes

Profile

I am a third-year PhD researcher based in the Hassall Lab as part of the Extinction Studies Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Leeds.

I am traditionally a conservation biologist by training but have now shifted to a more interdisciplinary research focus, working across the various fields of conservation social science, political ecology, computer science and design. I also have extensive experience in sea turtle conservation monitoring in Greece and Costa Rica through working for organizations such as (The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece), the British Ecological Society and UNEP-WCMC.  

I have spent years studying the intersection of conservation and socio-political issues. My doctoral research is focused on understanding the social, technological and ecological dimensions of the Asian songbird trade for humans and birds. With my conservation biology foundation and proficiency in political ecology, social science, computer science, and design theory, I enjoy exploring innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to conservation challenges. For more on my work and interests please see my website.

Research interests

• Abolition geography
• Animal carceral geography
• Artificial intelligence 
• Conservation technology 
• Design theory
• Legal and Illegal Wildlife Trade (LIWT) 
• Participatory design and co-production
• Photography
• Political ecology
• Machine learning 
• Museum studies

Selected publications

Fiennes, S., Patil, I., Lugas, L. (2024). Uncaged Conservation: An inclusive audio-visual exploration of wildlife marketplaces: https://www.uncagedconservation.com/ 

Fiennes, S., Anasari, S. D., & Hardianto, N. (2023). TikTok facilitating songbird trade in Indonesia. Oryx, 57(4), 420-421. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605323000510 

Qualifications

• Bsc in Biodiversity and Conservation from University College London
• MSc by Research in Biodiversity Management from the University of Kent