Alison Cribb

Dr Alison Cribb is an 1851 Research Fellow in palaeoceanography and palaeoclimatology at the University of Southampton's Ocean and Earth Science department. Her research focuses on reconstructing the evolution of marine ecosystem engineers (e.g., bioturbators, reef builders) using the fossil record, particularly their responses to climate-related stress and mass extinctions. She explores how these organisms influenced ecological and evolutionary dynamics in ancient ecosystems, with implications for modern climate change impacts.

• Education:
  • PhD in Geological Sciences, University of Southern California (2018–2023)
  • BA Hons in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University (2014–2018)

Her research interests span marine ecosystem engineering, paleoclimatology, and the recovery of ecosystems after mass extinctions. Current projects include studying bioturbation patterns via machine learning and contrasting post-Triassic extinction dynamics between terrestrial and marine environments.

Dr Cribb's recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining fossil data with computational methods. Her work is funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.