Jo was appointed as a Lecturer in the Department in 1998 and throughout her distinguished career made significant and sustained contributions to the life of our Department and School, the wider University, the discipline of Geography nationally, and to international scientific communities.
Jo’s exceptional research contributions in aeolian processes, landforms and sediments of both dryland and coastal environments were recognised by prestigious international awards. These included the Philip Leverhulme Prize (2004) and EGU Ralph Alger Bagnold Medal (2021). She had an outstanding commitment to teaching and the student experience in the department and beyond, that shone through her fieldwork and field courses. She was a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and held key leadership roles with the Royal Geographical Society/Institute of British Geographers, the British Society for Geomorphology and the International Society for Aeolian Research. A fuller obituary and information on ways we will mark Jo’s legacy will be published in due course.
We are heartbroken at the loss of Jo in our departmental community. Jo inspired numerous colleagues past and present, as well as internal and external collaborators, PhD researchers, and many cohorts of Geography students and alumni. Her outstanding service to the University also included two terms as Associate Dean for Teaching in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Jo will be deeply missed across our campus and throughout wider academic and professional communities. She was an inspired scholar and attentive mentor, and above all, a talented, kind and supportive friend.
Our heartfelt sympathies continue to be extended to Jo’s family and close friends.
Jo’s family have set up a tribute page where you can leave messages, memories and photos of Jo.
Michael Hoyler, Head of Geography and Environment