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Octavia Brayley
PhD Researcher & Educator
I am a polar ecologist and entomologist specialising in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, insect–microbe interactions, non-native species and climate change. I recently completed my PhD at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and am awaiting graduation. My doctoral research explored the ecology of Antarctic insects and their associated microbial communities, including how microorganisms may contribute to survival in extreme environments and biological invasions, and how invasive species can alter vulnerable Antarctic ecosystems.
I am currently seeking postdoctoral fellowship opportunities to investigate insect–microbe interactions across invasion pathways and determine their functional importance for establishment and adaptation in non-native environments.
I graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Zoology in 2019 and an MRes in Biological Sciences in 2021, where I investigated the effects of artificial light at night on the circadian rhythms of intertidal organisms.
Alongside my research, I am an experienced biology educator and science communicator. I work as a private science tutor and have nine years of teaching experience, including teaching Biology at Harrow School in London. I am also a STEM Ambassador and an international wildlife lecturer.
I am also the creator and host of the Polar Diaries Podcast, where I interview scientists working across the Arctic and Antarctic to raise awareness of polar research and make it accessible to wider audiences, while highlighting the environmental challenges facing these rapidly changing regions. My long-term interests lie at the intersection of polar research, conservation, environmental policy and science communication.
Education
2022 - Current
PhD in Biosciences
University of Birmingham & British Antarctic Survey
My research focuses on polar terrestrial ecology, entomology, insect–microbe interactions, non-native species and climate change. My PhD investigated the ecology of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic insects, combining microbiology, molecular ecology and soil biogeochemistry to explore how insects and their associated microorganisms interact with extreme polar environments.
My research included the invasive midge Eretmoptera murphyi on Signy Island, the endemic Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica and closely related insects from southern South America. Together, this work explored how insect microbiomes vary across species, life stages and environments, alongside the wider ecological impacts of biological invasions on vulnerable Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. I also investigated the ecophysiology of the Belgica lineage, using thermal, desiccation and salinity tolerance experiments to explore evolutionary divergence and how polar and subpolar insects may respond to environmental change.
In 2025, I undertook two months of fieldwork in southern Chile, conducting insect sampling and experimental research on the ecophysiology of the Belgica lineage. I also undertook the British Antarctic Survey Advanced Training Course in Svalbard in 2026, gaining interdisciplinary field experience in marine and glacial research and the practicalities of working in remote polar environments.
2019 - 2021
MRes in Biological Sciences
University of Bristol
I investigated how artificial light at night affects the behaviour and circadian rhythms of intertidal shore crabs. Through field experiments under different artificial lighting regimes, I explored how changes to natural light environments can disrupt biological rhythms, contributing to our understanding of the ecological impacts of light pollution in coastal ecosystems.
2016 - 2019
BSc in Zoology
University of Bristol
During my Zoology degree, I developed broad research interests in entomology, evolution and animal behaviour. My final-year research project investigated how Lepidoptera use the reflective ‘sparkle’ within their eyespots as an anti-predator mechanism, exploring the evolution and function of visual defences.
Alongside my degree, I worked as a Research Assistant in molecular palaeontology and palaeocolour with Dr Jakob Vinther’s research group. I used laboratory extraction techniques and scanning electron microscopy to study melanosomes, microscopic structures that can be used to reconstruct colouration in fossil animals. This research contributed to work revealing the diverse plumage colours of dinosaurs, part of a body of research recognised by National Geographic as one of the top scientific discoveries of the decade.
Publications
Impacts of non-native invertebrates and plants on polar soil systems
Brayley et al. 2026. npj Biodiversity, 5, 18.
DOI: 10.1038/s44185-026-00127-8
The microbiome of an invasive Antarctic insect, Eretmoptera murphyi, and its potential role in nutrient cycling
Brayley et al. 2026. Microbial Ecology, 89, 66.
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-026-02706-5
Life stage changes in the microbiome of Antarctica’s only endemic insect, Belgica antarctica
Brayley et al. 2026. Revised manuscript under review, Frontiers in Microbiology.
Absence of Wolbachia in the sub-Antarctic midge, Eretmoptera murphyi
Brayley et al. 2025. Antarctic Science, 1–6.
DOI: 10.1017/S0954102025000197
The biological effects of light pollution on terrestrial and marine organisms
Brayley, Wakefield & How. 2022. International Journal of Sustainable Lighting, 24(1), 13–18.
DOI: 10.26607/ijsl.v24i1.121
Public engagement and lecturing
STEM Ambassador
STEM Learning, The University of Birmingham, and The Royal Entomological Society
I am passionate about making science accessible and engaging to audiences of all ages. As a STEM Ambassador and international lecturer, I deliver talks, workshops and educational activities on polar biology, climate change, entomology and wildlife, including lectures to audiences of more than 500 people aboard expedition cruise ships.
I am also the creator and host of the Polar Diaries Podcast, where I interview scientists working across the Arctic and Antarctic to make polar research accessible to wider audiences and raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing these rapidly changing regions.
My outreach has included developing interactive activities on invasive Antarctic species, writing for young audiences, speaking at museums and schools and mentoring students interested in STEM careers.
Podcaster
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Polar Diaries
I created Polar Diaries to make polar science more accessible and to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing the Arctic and Antarctic. Through conversations with scientists working across the polar regions, the podcast explores their research, fieldwork and experiences, while sharing the importance of these rapidly changing environments with wider audiences.
Episodes are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow @polardiariespodcast on Instagram for updates.
Polar Diaries was Highly Commended for the University of Birmingham Alice Roberts Award for Public Engagement in 2025.
Teaching experience
2025 - Present
Associate Fellow, Advance HE
2019 - 2026
Postgraduate Tutor & Laboratory Demonstrator
University of Birmingham
Awarded Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) in recognition of my teaching practice, commitment to inclusive and student-centred learning and use of evidence-based pedagogy.
University of Birmingham & University of Bristol
Delivered undergraduate laboratory practicals, tutorials and small-group teaching across the biological sciences. I have also mentored undergraduate research projects and trained students in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data interpretation and scientific writing.
2024 - 2025
University of Birmingham
Guest Undergraduate Lecturer
Delivered undergraduate lectures in ecological systems, incorporating current research and facilitating discussion around contemporary topics in ecology.
2017 - Present
Science Tutor
2021 - 2022
Master of Biology
Keystone Tutors & other education providers
Provide individual and small-group Biology tuition across GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level, alongside university entrance and academic interview preparation.
Harrow School
Taught Biology across IGCSE and A-Level, including classroom teaching, practical work and assessment. I also designed and delivered Life on the Ice, an original super-curricular course introducing students to polar biology.
Teaching testimonials
Mother of A-Level student
"Octavia is the most delightful, dedicated, supportive and knowledgeable tutor and my daughter is thriving with her."
Amy, A-Level student
"I 100% recommend Octavia for an A-Level Biology tutor as her knowledge is really strong and she has a really good technique to explain the content in a way people will understand. She also makes you feel really at ease and I'm not afraid to say if I don't get anything. If there was anything I didn't understand, she used diagrams and images to help me understand. Having her as my tutor has improved my grade and my understanding of the content as well as my confidence when answering exam questions."
Parent of GCSE student
"Octavia is an excellent GCSE Biology tutor. We've had a few Biology tutors that didn't work out. My son really responded to her. She's reliable, very responsive and a pleasure to communicate with. With Octavia's help, my son achieved grade 9 in his GCSE mock results, raising his confidence level significantly. Octavia is always very willing to help, not only with GCSE Biology but also with homework sets, internal school exams and EPQ queries. We would highly recommend Octavia without reservation."
Parent of A-Level student
"Octavia was very friendly and reliable. My daughter Amy felt comfortable in her presence and found her easy to relate to. She explained the things that Amy was struggling with, in an easy-to-understand way, and also passed on some invaluable revision tips which Amy found very useful. I fully recommend Octavia as an A level Biology tutor."
Peter, A-Level student
"The high levels of detail that are provided by Octavia in her tutoring sessions are useful and concise and have helped me to greatly improve in all areas of biology. Since starting tutoring with Octavia, I am now achieving 2 or 3 grades higher than I was only a few months ago. I couldn't really ask for much more."
Parent of GCSE student
"My daughter has gained great confidence in understanding the different topics and exam techniques due to Octavia’s professionalism, hard work, enthusiasm, and building great rapport. I would recommend Octavia to any parents and students who are looking at developing their understanding and their skills in these subjects."
