Rhu is an Oceanographer, "but my area of speciality will change depending on who I'm talking to!" she reveals.
Rhu studied for both a joint honours degree in Oceanography/Zoology and PhD at Swansea University. After completion of her first degree, she moved into research involving the sedimentation of biogenic material. On completing this PhD, she moved to the National Oceanographic Centre at Southampton. Her post-doctoral research centred on physical and biological parameters relating to ground truthing of oceanic and coastal waters for models and remotely sensed data.
Since 1996, Rhu has taught aspects of both terrestrial and marine sciences at Southampton Solent University. She is course leader for the Environment and Geography group. Her research interests include environmental education, the water and anything else that moves (that's animal, vegetable or mineral).
Rhu originates from Kent (and loves fruit) but a great number of people think she hails from Australia. She says her office door is always open, but you should be prepared to be pinned down for a chat and expect to drink coffee or herbal tea and eat chocolate biscuits ("I'm a girl after all!" she explains).