Thermal Imaging Expert, Dr Kayleigh Fawcett-Williams, has joined the Thomson Environmental Consultants team.
Kayleigh brings unrivalled expertise in thermal imaging & bat bioacoustics to the Thomson business with her wealth of experience from around the world having conducted work as far afield as New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark and Belize.
The appointment of Kayleigh as Principal Ecological Technologist in the Innovation team has further strengthened Thomson’s client offering for bat and other wildlife surveys. In addition to improving survey accuracy, her unrivalled knowledge and skills will improve efficiency and reduce health and safety concerns for our clients as the need for night work will be significantly reduced.
Kayleigh has been using technology for wildlife applications for 16 years. As a Level 2 Thermographer, her passion for thermal imaging technology began in 2010 as she started using it alongside sound recording equipment in her work.
Whilst completing a PhD in Bioacoustics focused on the echolocation calls of Rhinolophus and Myotis bats in the laboratory and in the field, she then trained as a Thermographer at FLIR Headquarters in the UK.
Over the last 12 years, Kayleigh has developed thermal survey methods for bats and other wildlife species, travelled to New Zealand to train wildlife surveyors to use thermal imaging technology and published the “Thermal Imaging Bat Survey Guidelines” in association with the Bat Conservation Trust.
She is currently working on her book, “Thermal Imaging for Wildlife”, due to be published in January 2023.
Kayleigh says she is delighted to be joining the Thomson team:
“I feel I can contribute so much to the business when it comes to innovation, specifically in the field of thermal imaging. The Thomson business is passionate about relentless innovation with lots of exciting, cool technology in the pipeline. They also work alongside universities to really push the envelope in ecological technology. It’s an exciting business to be part of.”
Director of Innovation at Thomson, Steve Wagstaff, is thrilled to have Kayleigh on board:
“Kayleigh’s combination of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm in this field is unique in the UK. So, we’re absolutely delighted that she’s chosen to join the Thomson team. We can’t wait to get started on what promises to be our most innovative programme of work yet and what’s more to offer our clients a truly world-class service that puts Thomson at the forefront of ecological technology.”
Dr Kayleigh Fawcett-Williams Bio:
2003 – 2006 Biological Science at Cambridge University
2010 – 2013 PhD in Bioacoustics, Denmark. Trained as a Thermographer at FLIR Headquarters in the UK
2013 – Developed thermal survey methods for bats and other wildlife species.
2016 – Trained wildlife surveyors in New Zealand to use thermal imaging technology.
2019 – Published the “Thermal Imaging Bat Survey Guidelines” in association with the Bat Conservation Trust
2022 – Kayleigh’s book, “Thermal Imaging for Wildlife” is due to be published at the end of the year
