Helen A. L. Currie

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory

Biography

Welcome! 👋 I’m Helen Currie (she/her), a Fisheries Ecologist and part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Cooke Lab: Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory.

I recently completed my PhD research at the University of Southampton’s International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research where I used an interdisciplinary approach to investigate group responses of fish 🐟🐟🐟 to environmental change, e.g. noise 🔊. Results are applicable to conservation efforts to reduce the impacts of anthropogenic noise on the collective behaviour of fishes, and the development of acoustic deterrent systems. These technologies could assist in controlling range expansion of invasive species 💪, or reduce screening impingement and fish mortalities 🤕☠️ at dangerous sites (e.g. hydropower dams). My PhD was sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council and Fishtek Consulting Ltd.

Further to my main research interests, I am also involved in a number of interdisciplinary projects, including:

understanding the mechanical response of nematode infected European eel swimbladder
the impacts of rapid decompression, or “barotrauma”, on neotropical ichthyofauna
freshwater biodiversity and urban planning.

I enjoy public engagement and science communication projects, and have previously worked in science policy, taking a lead role in collating organisational responses to UK Government environmental consultations. Additionally, I have been highly active in promoting and advocating for equality, diversity and inclusivity within my research institution.

🎓 Feel free to contact me should you have a collaborative project or idea you wish to discuss.

Also happy to chat about:

🏑 field hockey/ sport in general
🎸 live music
🍰 baking
☕️ coffee and 🍻 good beer

Interests

Animal communication
Anthropogenic disturbance
Aquatic ecology and conservation
Predator-prey interactions
Behavioural development
Collective behaviour
Fisheries management
Science policy and environmental law

Education

PhD in Environmental Engineering, 2021

University of Southampton
ILTeR Introduction to Learning and Teaching for Researchers, 2018

University of Southampton
MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, 2013

The Queen's University of Belfast
BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology, 2010

Newcastle University

Featured Publications

Helen A. L. Currie, Paul R. White, Timothy G. Leighton, and Paul S. Kemp

June 2021 Behavioural Processes. 104416

Collective behavior of the European minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) is influenced by signals of differing acoustic complexity

High intensity, low frequency acoustic signals influence the spatial distribution and social interactions of European minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). Anthropogenic noise may have direct fitness implications or wider impacts on fish population dynamics.

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Helen A. L. Currie, Nicholas Flores Martin, Gerardo Espindola Garcia, Frances M. Davis, and Paul S. Kemp

July 2020 Journal of Experimental Biology. 223, jeb219808.

A mechanical approach to understanding the impact of the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus on the European eel swimbladder

Relationships between mechanical response, and histopathological damage indices were investigated to gauge entire swimbladder response to infection. This study resolves previous incongruous findings when gauging swimbladder response to infection. We show that an increase in wall thickness raises the pressure require for organ rupture but decreases strength.

PDF DOI

Helen A. L. Currie, Paul R. White, Timothy G. Leighton, and Paul S. Kemp

March 2020 The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 147, 1709-1718

Group behavior and tolerance of Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) in response to tones of differing pulse repetition rate

In a controlled laboratory study, the response and tolerance of Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) shoals to tonal signals (150Hz of 1s pulse duration) differing only in temporal characteristics (“continuous,” “slow,” “intermediate,” or “fast” pulse repetition rate) were investigated.

PDF DOI

Projects

Group response of fish to sound

Helen’s PhD project uses an interdisciplinary approach to investigate group responses of fish to acoustic stimuli.

Public Engagement

Featured in Nature Careers

Helen was featured in Nature Careers where she discusses showcasing her research at several UK festivals.

Raising awareness for fish

Helen coordinated two events in 2016 to promote World Fish Migration Day, and raised money for the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Salmon Appeal.

Research Communicator Award

Helen was presented a University of Southampton Roadshow Award in 2017 for her contibutions to research communication.

Towards more diversity, equity and inclusion in academia

In conjunction with co-postgraduate equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) representative Salma Sabour, Helen organised and ran a virtual EDI seminar at the University of Southampton in September 2020, with fantastic keynote speakers from the Royal Astronomical Society, Harvard University, and Imperial College London. The event was recorded and will be available as a future in-house EDI training resource.