Newcastle University

Research Interests

My main interests are in modelling complex ecological systems, using multivariate statistical models, simulation and Monte-Carlo techniques, across a wide range of spatio-temporal scales. This includes both plant and invertebrate species assemblages, as well as population modelling of individual species. The latter has included object-based discrete-event models of invertebrates at the landscape scale. Robust models allow one to develop new hypotheses, and undertake virtual experiments 'in silico' that would be impracticable or even impossible 'in vivo'.

Other Expertise

Experienced in using geographic information systems integrated with statistical and simulation models at multiple scales. Expertise in C++ programming, agent-based modelling, spatial statistics. Taxonomic expertise in Auchenorrhyncha, Heteroptera and Nematoda.

Current Work

1. GIS modelling of bumblebee populations in agricultural landscapes
2. Modelling the distribution of semi-natural woodlands in Wales
3. Multivariate modelling of the impacts of grazing management
4. Investigation of the impacts of farmyard manure treatments on vegetation community structure
5. Studies of the impact of changes in atmospheric pollution levels on human health.

Future Research

Multi-scale GIS-based modelling techniques, down to the micro-level, so that soil processes can be simulated. Application of spatio-temporal multivariate statistical methods to both microbial and medical data.

Postgraduate Supervision

Ms Saya Harvey - Restoration of heather communities following clear-felling of Sitka Spruce plantations in Scotland
Mr Johnstone Kimanzi - Modelling of roan antelope populations in Kenya
Ms Lorna Paterson - Spider communities and vegetation structure on upland moorland.

Funding

Recent funding includes:
BBSRC - Impact of mass flowering crops on bumblebees; with Rothamsted Research and Stirling University (2007-2010)
BBSRC - Spatial modelling of bumblebees in agricultural landscapes; with Rothamsted Research and Southampton University (2002-2005)
DEFRA - Environmental impact of grazing systems on heather moorland; with CEH, ADAS, RSPB, SAC, IGER (2002-2007)
DEFRA - Impact of organic manures on semi-natural grasslands; with IGER, ADAS (2005-2008)

Projects

• Enhancing biological diversity on industrial land
  Project Leader(s): Lucie Scriven
• Mass-flowering crops: cost or benefit to bumblebees and wild flower pollination?
  Project Leader(s): Roy Sanderson
• Predicting the Effects of Climate Change on Bird Demography
  Project Leader(s): Caroline Rhymer

Undergraduate Teaching

Biology Research Communication (BIO2001)
Ecology of Populations and Communities (BIO2009)
Ecological modelling (BIO3003)
Animal Population Dynamics (BIO3002)

Postgraduate Teaching

GIS and Remote Sensing (BIO8014)
Ecological Survey Techniques (ACE8045)
Applied Entomology (BIO8013)
Sustainable Development and Environmental Change (ACE8021)

• Sanderson RA, Eyre MD, Rushton SP. The influence of stream invertebrate composition at neighbouring sites on local assemblage composition. Freshwater Biology 2005, 50(2), 221-231.
• Sanderson RA, Eyre MD, Rushton SP. Distribution of selected macroinvertebrates in a mosaic of temporary and permanent freshwater ponds as explained by autologistic models. Ecography 2005, 28(3), 355-362.
• Greaves RK, Sanderson RA, Rushton SP. Predicting species occurrence using information-theoretic approaches and significance testing: An example of dormouse distribution in Cumbria, UK. Biological Conservation 2006, 130(2), 239-250.
• Buchanan GM, Grant MC, Sanderson RA, Pearce-Higgins JW. The contribution of invertebrate taxa to moorland bird diets and the potential implications of land-use management. Ibis 2006, 148(4), 615-628.
• Osborne JL, Martin AP, Carreck NL, Swain JL, Knight ME, Goulson D, Hale RJ, Sanderson RA. Bumblebee flight distances in relation to the forage landscape. Journal of Animal Ecology 2008, 77(2), 406-415.
• Fanshawe TR, Diggle PJ, Rushton SP, Sanderson RA, Lurz PWW, Glinianaia SV, Pearce MS, Parker L, Charlton M, Pless-Mulloli T. Modelling spatio-temporal variation in exposure to particulate matter: a two-stage approach. Environmetrics 2008, 19(6), 549-566.
• Kirkham FW, Tallowin JRB, Sanderson RA, Bhogal A, Chambers BJ, Stevens DP. The impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers and lime on the species-richness and plant functional characteristics of hay meadow communities. Biological Conservation 2008, 141(5), 1411-1427.
• Critchley CNR, Chambers BJ, Fowbert JA, Bhogal A, Rose SC, Sanderson RA. Plant species richness, functional type and soil properties of grasslands and allied vegetation in English Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Grass and Forage Science 2002, 57(2), 82-92.
• Smith RS, Shiel RS, Bardgett BD, Millward D, Corkhill P, Relph G, Hobbs PJ, Sanderson RA. Ecological mechanisms affecting the restoration of diversity in agriculturally improved meadow grassland. Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle University, 2001. The Colt Park field trial 2000; Report of MAFF Project BD1439, milestone 01-01.