Scientist inspecting tube of algae

Rachel Allen 
CCAP Support Scientist

A former freshwater ecologist with a background in Quality Management Systems, I hold a BSc in Marine Resource Management from the University of Aberdeen and an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from Bournemouth University.

I joined CCAP in September 2017 as a support scientist, and my primary role involves the maintenance and subculture of a wide range of freshwater green algae, brown seaweeds, and protozoan strains. In addition, I am also the CCAP Quality Lead, responsible for helping to maintain the ISO 9001:2015 accredited certification awarded to us in 2021.

I am particularly interested in the taxonomy of freshwater green algae, and I am continually developing my knowledge in this area. When time allows I isolate new strains for the collection, and I have an ongoing project to purify the contaminated strains of freshwater green algae we hold.

I am also heavily involved in outreach programmes with children from schools in the local area.

SAMS Profile

Contact: 

rachel.allen@sams.ac.uk