James White

Profile

I am a PGR at the University of Leeds working with Dr. Alastair Ward and alongside the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to build UK deer management tools and to better our understanding of deer disease dynamics.

During my undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham (2021-2024) I worked on a final year project developing an integrated technique for marine eDNA monitoring of UK cetacean species.

Prior to and during my BSc (2020-2024) I worked as a lead software engineer for Assess Management Ltd building an online objective assessment tool.

Research interests

I build mathematical models of UK deer ecology, incorporating disease dynamics to inform management decision-making

My research aims to build novel individual-based models (IBMs) that represent deer behaviour, movement patterns, and habitat-use. IBMs are an under-used, but well-aligned methodology for answering ecological and wildlife-management related questions, already making meaningful change in UK wildlife management. Together with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) I aim to further our understanding of complex wildlife disease dynamics while producing tools that evaluate management actions and improve UK outbreak preparedness. I am also interested in understanding how UK deer populations can be managed for healthier ecosystems, such as woodlands and uplands, for the benefit of conservation targets.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Biology - Maths) - University of Nottingham