I have been working with the Environmental Funders Network since October 2023. I spent the first year leading the Supporting Environmental Groups Programme, helping environmental NGOs to collaborate, capacity-build and fundraise effectively. As of January 2025, I have stepped into the new role of Projects Manager, overseeing various projects, all under the umbrella of my main interest – how can funders and fundraisers in the environment sector connect more efficiently and fairly?
Prior to this I held a Research Associate position at the University of Cambridge, working to aid progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in Galápagos. As part of this I co-launched an initiative in early 2021 to support community-led projects in conservation and sustainability, which was awarded funding from the Darwin Initiative.
In 2020, I completed my Ph.D, also at Cambridge, researching the impacts of roads on birds in Britain and, alongside my Ph.D, I ran a project in Galápagos studying an introduced bird species. I have a B.A. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, a M.Sc. from the University of Reading and have published several peer-reviewed papers and other reports.
Outside of work my passions include campaigning for better support for victims of gender-based violence, science communication, wildlife photography and hiking.
Dr Sophia C. Cooke 