Nicky Slee

Dr Nicky Slee is a part-time Visiting Fellow in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex, where she has maintained continuous affiliation since 1998 across roles including Foundation Lecturer and Senior Post Doctoral Research Officer. Her current responsibilities span teaching Ecology modules, supervising undergraduate research projects, and leading outreach initiatives as Schools Outreach Co-ordinator for the Department of Biological Sciences.

Her educational background includes:

• B.Sc. (Hons) in Biological Sciences, University of Reading (1986)
• Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, University of Exeter (1990)
• Certificate of Educational Studies, The College of Teachers (2004)
• Certificate of Higher Education Practice, University of Essex (2007)

Dr Slee's research bridges plant ecology and environmental management, with historical focus on photosynthetic genetics and plant adaptation to CO₂ elevation. Her recent work examines sustainable coastal defense through ecological engineering, exemplified by her 2023 study on salt marsh terraces. She actively promotes science education via school collaborations and ambassador roles.

Key recognitions include:

• National STEM Champion (2014)
• SIAS Ambassador (2014)
• SEB Ambassador (2012-present)
• STEMNET Ambassador for Explorestem (2012-present)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2007)

As an educator, she supervises third-year research projects and teaches field-based ecology modules. Her outreach work connects schools with university resources, emphasizing practical engagement with biological sciences. Dr Slee operates part-time with email availability Wednesday-Friday and collaborates extensively with external institutions on science communication initiatives.