Scientist, Citizen, Formby Local
I grew up near Munich, Germany, worked on evolutionary questions in labs in Europe, Australia, and the US, and earned my PhD along the way. My work examines how organisms adapt to stressors like dietary shifts, and how these responses change with age. To figure out how genetic limits influence the evolution of key traits for survival and reproduction, I combine controlled laboratory experiments with studies in the wild. For this I use a diverse range of species, from fruit flies, beetles, and fish in the lab to crickets and lizards in the wild (including common lizards that can be found in the Formby dunes). Check out more on that here.
My family and I have settled in Formby because of its cohesive town feeling, the high-quality schools, its easy access to Liverpool, and its fantastic, highly accessible natural areas, together with a great choice of shops, cafes, and pubs. I believe in a future for Formby that manages its success while protecting these qualities.
The way to get there is through evidence-based discussions and decisions, valuing our natural surroundings and building a real sense of connection to the place. Formby can become an even healthier, safer, more sustainable place that supports all residents in the here and now, and our kids and grandkids in the future.