Dr Emma Hughes

School of Biosciences

Teaching Associate (Ecology)

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Dr Emma Hughes with green sandpiper
Profile picture of Dr Emma Hughes with green sandpiper
emma.hughes@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0132

Full contact details

Dr Emma Hughes
School of Biosciences
Alfred Denny Building
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
Profile
  • Teaching Associate, University of Sheffield (2022-present)
  • Research Assistant NERC Traits, Natural History Museum (2022)
  • PhD, Macroecology, University of Sheffield (2016-22)
  • Research Assistant, University of Sheffield (2014-16)
  • MBiolSci Zoology, University of Sheffield (2010-14)
Research interests

My research focuses on quantifying and understanding current and future biogeographic patterns of avian biodiversity. Birds are an incredibly diverse group of vertebrates spanning nearly all terrestrial land masses. I use morphological trait data from museum specimens to identify communities of exceptional diversity of species traits, and use this to explain global patterns of niche packing and expansion. 

Traits link to the ecological roles that species fulfil within ecosystems, and many are important to humans as ecosystem services. In a rapidly changing world, the conservation of the evolutionary history, morphology, and ecological roles that species represent is of critical importance. I explore the impacts of the anthropogenic extinction crisis on species trait diversity, and phylogenetic diversity.

Macroecology, biogeography, phylogenetic diversity, trait diversity, conservation, biodiversity.

Publications

Journal articles

Preprints

Grants
  • 2019 On CampUS Placement Project Supervisor (£1,000) Museum Curatorial and Database Assistant 
  • 2019 Postgraduate Researcher Experience Programme Bursary (£525) Museum Curatorial and Database Assistant
  • 2018 Alumni Foundation Grant, University of Sheffield (£780) British Bird Skull and Egg Re-curation
  • 2017 On CampUS Placement Project Supervisor (£1,000) Museum Curatorial and Database Assistant 
  • 2017 Alumni Foundation Grant, University of Sheffield (£1,750) 3D printer
  • 2017 Widening Participation Fund, University of Sheffield (£400) Outreach Materials for Alfred Denny Museum
Professional activities and memberships

Curatorial Assistant and Public Engagement, Alfred Denny Museum:

I manage recruitment and training of a student workforce to deliver tours of the Alfred Denny Museum for public open days and other University events. I am working closely with colleagues to database and conserve all museum material to ensure its long-term survival. I lead training in taxonomy, databasing, species identification, insect pinning and specimen restoration.