Jamie Thompson

I have been a research technician on a Leverhulme Trust project funded to Professor Tim Birkhead, investigating the potential evolutionary drivers of avian egg shape diversity. My role in this research has consisted of developing and testing various adaptive hypotheses for certain egg shapes in birds. This has resulted in me becoming co-author on several publications.

Previously I studied as an undergraduate at the University of Sheffield and during this time I was able to work on various projects within Professor Tim Birkhead's research group. This contribution to work during my undergraduate years subsequently provided me an opportunity to work as a full-time research technician on a number of research projects with Professor Birkhead, eventually leading to the current project I have been working on.

I have had opportunities to conduct research in various places such as Skomer Island and the Faroe Islands, as well as in several museums across the UK and Europe, which has again been a fantastic experience.

Jamie Thompson

Research Technician, Department of Animal & Plant Sciences

I was very lucky in that, during my role as a research technician, Professor Birkhead actively encouraged and supported me in trying to develop and test my own hypotheses for research projects. These opportunities have been both stimulating and incredibly satisfying, and they have enabled me to considerably develop my skills as a scientist and recently resulted in me being able to complete and receive a PhD via Publication. I have also had opportunities to conduct research in various places such as Skomer Island and the Faroe Islands, as well as in several museums across the UK and Europe, which has again been a fantastic experience.