Rachel Grant

Dr Rachel Grant is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director in Bioscience at London South Bank University (LSBU), affiliated with the Bioscience and Bioengineering Research Centre within the School of Human Sciences. She joined LSBU in 2020 after academic roles at Oxford, Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin, and Northampton Universities.

• Senior Lecturer, LSBU (2020–present)
• Course Director, Bioscience
• Research focus: behavioural and evolutionary ecology

Her educational background includes:

• BSc (Hons) Biology (1986–1990)
• PG Dip Animal Behaviour (2000–2003)
• PhD (2003–2010)
• PG Cert LTHE (2012)

Rachel's research spans behavioural and evolutionary ecology, with a focus on amphibians, reptiles, and birds. She investigates the influence of geophysical variables on animal behaviour—work relevant to conservation and hazard forecasting. A significant portion of her recent work centers on psittacine bird welfare and personality models, as well as exotic pet welfare models like the Five Domains. She also explores human behavioural ecology, particularly the evolutionary origins of patriarchy and deimatic displays in humans. Her expertise supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals in education and planetary protection.

The recent publication trends highlight her interdisciplinary approach, combining zoology, conservation, animal welfare, and evolutionary theory. Her work frequently intersects with public policy, media, and ethical considerations in pet ownership and research inclusivity. Articles from 2024 demonstrate her engagement with both scientific journals and public-facing platforms, addressing topics from reptile expos to disabled researchers' career progression during the pandemic.

Scientific engagement and recognition include:

• Media contributor: Channel 5's "Tsunami", Discovery Channel, NASA Unexplained Files
• News and radio interviews on animal behaviour and conservation
• Public engagement through documentaries and outreach

Rachel leads curriculum development as Course Director and teaches modules such as Aetiology of Disease, Foundation Biology, Employability, and Level 6 Project. She mentors student research and integrates research methods and statistics into her teaching. While no formal grants or students are listed, her leadership in the DISCOVerY Project indicates involvement in equity-focused research initiatives. She is actively contributing to academic discourse through peer-reviewed publications and public science communication.

She is associated with the Bioscience and Bioengineering Research Centre, where her work contributes to understanding animal-environment interactions, improving welfare standards, and promoting inclusive research practices. Her team collaborates on interdisciplinary projects linking biology, geophysics, and social sciences, particularly in risk forecasting and conservation applications.