AN ECOLOGIST who discovered a new species of insect has joined the University of Worcester to take forward a research project in Africa.

Dr Rachael Carrie will be evaluating a project on wetlands and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as lecturing on the university’s geography programmes.

Dr Carrie, whose family still live in Suffolk, joins from Lancaster University, where she completed her Phd.

This followed more than 10 years as an ecologist, working in the UK and in Belize.

While working in Belize Dr Carrie discovered and named a new species of water insect - Potamocoris isbiru, a tiny, hairy water bug.

Dr Carrie said: “I am really excited to be taking on this new role at the University of Worcester.

"I am looking forward to lecturing and to under taking an evaluation of the research that the University has been involved in in Africa.”

She will work alongside Dr Alan Dixon, principal lecturer in geography, who has led the African wetlands research.

The research explores the use of wetlands by the community for farming and how best to conserve and manage it.

Dr Dixon said: “We are really pleased to have Rachael joining us.

“Rachael has previously worked with the Ya’axche Conservation Trust in Belize where she was working with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and community groups to develop river monitoring systems.”