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Fredric Windsor   BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA, FRES, MRSB

Dr Fredric Windsor

(he/him)

BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA, FRES, MRSB

Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Teams and roles for Fredric Windsor

  • Lecturer in Ecology

    School of Biosciences

Overview

I am a network ecologist interested in how ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic changes. My work primarily focuses on inter-specific interactions, from pollination through to predation. I aim to combine these interactions into complex networks that represent the structure and function of real-world systems - this is often very difficult!

The reason for undertaking this research is to provide predictions for a variety of different applications, including biocontrol, restoration and conservation. Moving towards predictive ecology, which hinges on a detailed understanding of direct and indirect interactions within ecosystems, is the ultimate goal of my research.

Publication

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2016

Articles

Book sections

Thesis

Research

I am a network ecologist interested in how ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic changes. My work primarily focuses on inter-specific interactions, from pollination through to predation. I aim to combine these interactions into complex networks that represent the structure and function of real-world systems - this is often very difficult!

The reason for undertaking this research is to provide predictions for a variety of different applications, including biocontrol, restoration and conservation. Moving towards predictive ecology, which hinges on a detailed understanding of direct and indirect interactions within ecosystems, is the ultimate goal of my research.

I have been lucky enough to work in some amazing places, and I am always interested in expanding into new study systems that might exhibit unique characteristics (e.g., alpine stream systems) or that have particularly complex and interconnected challenges. So far I have worked, or I am currently working, in:

  • Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park (Alaska, USA)
  • Taff, Usk and Wye River Catchments (Wales, UK)
  • Llyn Brianne Experimental Observatory (Wales, UK)
  • The Pampas (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)
  • Japanese Alps (Kamikochi, Japan)

Please get in contact if you have any ideas or would like to chat about opportunities! Also, see our Lab group's website for more information freshnetlab.org.

Grants

My work has been supported by the following funders:

  • NERC
  • The Royal Society
  • British Ecological Society

Teaching

I really enjoy teaching, especially practical and research-based activities. I contribute to a variety of different modules within the School of Biosciences, including: 

  • BI1003 - Organisms and Environment
  • BI2136 - Ecology Part B (Co-leading the Urban Ecology Fieldcourse)
  • BI3008 - Advanced Research Techniques (3 week long Freshwater Practical)
  • BI4002 - Advanced Research Methods
  • BI9999 - Professional Training Year
  • BIT050 - Field Skills for Ecology and Conservation
  • BIT056 - Science Communication

Throughout these modules I integrate wider university activities, for example, research and biomonitoring across the Living Labs and the Ecosystem Resilience and Biodiversity Action Plan

 

Biography

I have been lucky enough to work at some great instutions and with some great people!

My pathway (in reverse chronological order) is as follows:

  • Lecturer in Ecology (2022-present, Cardiff University)
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (2019-2022, Newcastle University)
  • PhD (2015-2019, Cardiff University)
  • River Environments and their Management MSc (2014-2015, University of Birmingham)
  • Geography BSc (2011-2014, University of Birmingham)

Honours and awards

  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Entomology

Professional memberships

  • British Ecological Society
  • European Federation of Freshwater Science
  • Freshwater Biological Association

Committees and reviewing

  • British Ecological Society Grants Committe (Ordinary member)
  • Biodiversity Targets Advisory Panel to Welsh Government (Chair)
  • Journal of Animal Ecology (Associate Editor)
  • Population Ecology (Handling Editor)

 

 

Supervisions

I am interested in supervising students or collaborating more generally on the following areas of research:

  • Freshwater ecology
  • Ecological networks
  • Ecosystem modelling
  • Chemical pollution

Current supervision

Contact Details

Email [email protected]
Telephone +44 29225 14554
Campuses Sir Martin Evans Building, Room C/6.09, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX

Research themes

Specialisms

  • Network ecology
  • Freshwater ecology
  • Ecosystem ecology