New Additions to EMEC’s Team

In her role as Research and Consents Officer, Caitlin will work closely with developers taking them through the consenting process at EMEC, and assisting with liaison between developers, regulators and regulatory consultees. She will also be involved with quality control and analysis of the wildlife data gathered across EMEC’s test sites.

Originally from Midlothian, Caitlin completed her undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews in Behavioural Biology, focusing latterly on the behaviour of grey and harbour seals with a particular focus on the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters. She spent her summer placements with Xodus Group in their Edinburgh office researching the specific interaction between tidal turbines and seals, and contributing to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

To pursue her interest in marine renewables, Caitlin moved up to Orkney last year to complete an MSc in Marine Renewable Energy at the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), Heriot-Watt’s Orkney campus based in the Old Academy Business Centre just next door to EMEC. A lot of her spare time away from work and studies is spent searching for Orkney’s seal haul-outs to get the best photos of seal pups.

Caitlin’s particularly looking forward to getting stuck into the analysis of the wildlife data collected across EMEC’s test sites.

Danielle, having recently completed an HNC in Business at Orkney College, has taken on the role of Administration Assistant. She will be supporting the QHSE/ETV Manager by providing general secretarial and support services for the effective operation of EMEC’s Integrated Management System.

Outside of work, Danielle is a keen member of Sandwick Young Farmers and acts as Secretary for the club. Her interest in marine renewables was sparked when she moved to Outertown, which overlooks EMEC’s wave test site at Billia Croo, where she witnessed the interesting array of wave energy devices testing on site.