Our Story - Our team

Jonathan Sharples

Prof Jonathan Sharples

Director & Head of Oceanography

I have been researching the ocean for the past 30 years, studying how ocean physics (tides, weather, ocean currents) affects the growth and distribution of plankton and fish. Most of my work has focused on the shallow seas around NW Europe, in the open North Atlantic Ocean and also off New Zealand.

My interest in the ocean undoubtedly came from my father working in the merchant navy. I have been going to sea since the age of 9 and have anecdotally noticed some significant changes. On a recent research expedition that I led in the middle of the subtropical North Atlantic I was struck by how much plastic litter we spotted from the ship – something that was exceptionally rare just a few decades ago.

A lot of my research now is focused on how the ocean plays a key role in Earth’s climate, and how ocean physics distributes pollutants (including plastics) across the globe.  On that same expedition to the subtropical Atlantic we still saw plenty of life in the ocean – plenty of turtles, whales, dolphins, and flying fish. We still have time to do something about climate warming and plastic pollution, but there is real urgency for finding and deploying solutions.

For me, the research I work on tends to find out what the problems are in the ocean. Changing Streams is important because we identify solutions to the plastics problem – it encourages me to remain optimistic about our future.

The rest of our team

Neal Maxwell

Director

I’ve spent over 3 decades in the Fit-out industry and have seen a number of seismic changes in my working environment and of course,...

Dr Gareth Abrahams

Director & Head of Building Design Research

Before becoming an academic I worked for over 10 years as a senior project architect designing and delivered a number of prestigious projects across...

Kris Tisdale

Director

I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to see much of the world and whilst travelling I have seen first-hand the devastating...

Dr Wendy Jones

Science Engagement Lead

I am a scientist with many years of experience in business development on both sides of the academic-industry interface. I have lived and worked...

Caroline Harris

Strategic Advisor

I have 18 years’ experience across Operations, Finance, and IT in the Financial Services industry, specialising in Change Management. I worked on the introduction...

Leo Aspden

Coaching and Training Adviser

As an award-winning high growth business consultant and executive/leadership coach, I have more than 30 years experience of working with business leaders, executives, and...

Lynda Thompson

Research Associate

I’m a relentlessly curious qualitative researcher working in the construction, infrastructure and energy (fuel crisis) sectors. I'm a people person first and foremost and...

Danielle Heward

Membership Lead

With over 15 years of experience in operations and project management, business change and transformation, I have honed my expertise in optimising operations. I...

Brendon Kenny

Business Development

I am passionate about the environment and believe business should create profit with purpose. I have over 35 years of Business experience at Senior...

Prof Ric Williams

Climate Adviser to Changing Streams and co-chair of the Climate Futures Research Challenge

I have been researching how the ocean affects the climate system, addressing the reasons why climate models show a large spread in how much...

Dr Stephen Finnegan

Advisor to Changing Streams on carbon reduction and founder of the Zero Carbon Research institute

Dr Stephen Finnegan acts as the Director of the ZCRI and investigates the whole life sustainability and financial implications of creating individual projects, buildings,...

Dr Luigi Di Sarno

Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure Specialist

I am a Senior Lecturer in Structural Design in the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool. I have more than two decades of experience...

Asmaa Sadou Ammar

Changing Streams Research Centre

Commencing my academic journey at the University of Alicante, I developed a passion for architecture and engineering. Studying abroad in the UK and Greece...

Mick Ord

Public Relations

I am the former manager of  one of the BBC's most successful radio stations BBC Radio Merseyside where I started as a reporter in...