Meet The Team



Selena Peters
Role: Programme Executive
Background: I am responsible for making sure the programme delivers the approved benefits.
I have worked in the EA for over 20 years with a primarily data, modelling and mapping background in various FCRM teams. I enjoy working on FHIP because it is an innovative and complex programme with both internal and external drivers and customers.
I spend my non-work time singing, swimming and reading Scandinavian crime fiction!
Email: selena.peters@environment-agency.gov.uk

Anita Asadullah
Role: Lead Hydrologist
Background: I am the Lead Hydrologist.

I have worked at the EA since 2016 and before that I worked as a hydrologist on both high and low flows internationally at DHI in Denmark and Halcrow in Argentina and Leeds. I set up the FHIP programme in 2021 in response the Flood Hydrology Roadmap. I'm excited about FHIP as it allows us to both think strategically and make real operational improvements to the way we approach hydrology as a nation. My mission is to help bring science into practice more quickly to make sure we do the best job we can do.

Outside of work I love music, dance and being out in wild places but in practice I spend most of my time looking after my 2 young children!


Email: anita.asadullah@environment-agency.gov.uk




Helen Harfoot
Role: Senior Hydrologist
Background: I joined the Environment Agency and the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme in 2021 having spent 16 years working in consultancy delivering hydrological studies across the flow spectrum in catchments across the world.
During this time I discovered both the richness of our hydrometric data and hydrological practices but also where we can and need to make improvements to our current methods, data access and processes so that they match our progress in science and technology and are fit for our changing world.
In my spare time I like to run around after my two small boys and swim in the River Itchen.
Email: helen.harfoot@ environment-agency.gov.uk



Sara Alexander

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I joined the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme having come from 13 years as an operational flood risk hydrologist in SEPA.

This exciting and ambitious programme combines my passion for hydrometric data and flood risk, supporting the hydrological community by ensuring our data is the best it can be now and in the future.

Outside of work, you will find me either walking or running along the banks of the River Tay with my dogs or swimming in the Tay.

Email: sara.alexander@environment-agency.gov.uk



Chris Skinner

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I’m passionate about seeing science being put into practice and I joined the Environment Agency and FHIP as there is no better place to do this.

I have a background in academia where I researched across all steps of the flood modelling-decision chain, including hydrometeorology, geomorphology, and flood resilience.

In my free time I enjoy science communication: exploring the links between numerical models and videogames, and producing a YouTube channel.

Email: chris.skinner@environment-agency.gov.uk



Caroline Brannan

Role: Programme Manager

Background: I am responsible for managing the programme and ensuring our projects are delivered to the required time, cost and quality and meet the programme's objectives.

I have previously worked in consultancy and several Area and National FCRM teams at the Environment Agency, developing schemes, advising on land use planning and managing delivery of modelling and forecasting projects. I am interested in how we could improve our use and understanding of hydrology operationally to adapt to challenges such as climate change.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cycling, running and plenty of dog walks.

Email: caroline.brannon@environment-agency.gov.uk



Mike Vaughan

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I work part-time on the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme, with the remainder of my time being spent on maintaining and improving the Environment Agency’s flood forecasting capability. I’m pleased to be working in both of these areas as I was previously involved in the development of the Flood Hydrology Roadmap and look forward to operationalising improvements in our hydrological understanding and capabilities that will benefit people’s lives.

I originally started with the National Rivers Authority (a predecessor to the Environment Agency) in 1991, and since then have worked in hydrometry and telemetry, real-time flood forecasting and non-real-time flood estimation. I’ve also worked in academia undertaking hydrological catchment modelling.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking, playing bass guitar, and reading about and understanding our society and economy.

Email: michael.vaughan@ environment-agency.gov.uk








Carl Townley

Role: Project Manager

Background: I joined the Flood Hydrology Improvement Programme in December 2022.

Before FHIP, I spent 6 years in various Hydrometry and Telemetry roles across the Environment Agency and consultancy. For me, the FHIP offers a unique opportunity to deliver widespread and lasting improvements to areas where I can fully appreciate the impact.

Outside of work I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and climbing.

Email: carl.townley@environment-agency.gov.uk



Nick Terrett

Role: Senior Project Manager

Background: I am delighted to be helping deliver such important work that sets the foundations for so much of what we do within flood and coastal risk management to better protect the nation from flooding in a changing climate.

I came to FHIP as a project delivery professional with over 25 years experience across industry; Nuclear, Telecoms and Oil and Gas.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, riding horses with my daughter and surfing with my son but not at the same time.

Email: nick.terrett@environment-agency.gov.uk




Salim Ayomaya

Role: Project Manager

Background: I manage the hydrometric data uncertainty quantification and data rescue projects. I joined FHIP as it entails helping to deliver a programme that will us to more effectively manage flood hazards and support flood risk management strategies. This aligns with my interests.

I have a Bachelors degree in Geology, Masters in Petroleum Geoscience and recently completed my PhD Geology studies from Royal Holloway, University of London.

In my free time, I enjoy watching football and am an Arsenal fan.

Email: salim.ayomaya@environment-agency.gov.uk

















The FHIP team works closely with the National Flood Hydrology team. Where FHIP is focussed on longer-term, strategic improvements to how we do hydrology, the National Flood Hydrology team oversees the day-to-day use of hydrology relating to EA business and delivers shorter-term changes to how we do things now. The National Flood Hydrology team can be contacted via FloodHydrology@environment-agency.gov.uk(External link)

Occassionally there will be positions available within the FHIP team. If we have any available positions they will be advertised on the EA External Opportunities(External link) pages.



Selena Peters
Role: Programme Executive
Background: I am responsible for making sure the programme delivers the approved benefits.
I have worked in the EA for over 20 years with a primarily data, modelling and mapping background in various FCRM teams. I enjoy working on FHIP because it is an innovative and complex programme with both internal and external drivers and customers.
I spend my non-work time singing, swimming and reading Scandinavian crime fiction!
Email: selena.peters@environment-agency.gov.uk

Anita Asadullah
Role: Lead Hydrologist
Background: I am the Lead Hydrologist.

I have worked at the EA since 2016 and before that I worked as a hydrologist on both high and low flows internationally at DHI in Denmark and Halcrow in Argentina and Leeds. I set up the FHIP programme in 2021 in response the Flood Hydrology Roadmap. I'm excited about FHIP as it allows us to both think strategically and make real operational improvements to the way we approach hydrology as a nation. My mission is to help bring science into practice more quickly to make sure we do the best job we can do.

Outside of work I love music, dance and being out in wild places but in practice I spend most of my time looking after my 2 young children!


Email: anita.asadullah@environment-agency.gov.uk




Helen Harfoot
Role: Senior Hydrologist
Background: I joined the Environment Agency and the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme in 2021 having spent 16 years working in consultancy delivering hydrological studies across the flow spectrum in catchments across the world.
During this time I discovered both the richness of our hydrometric data and hydrological practices but also where we can and need to make improvements to our current methods, data access and processes so that they match our progress in science and technology and are fit for our changing world.
In my spare time I like to run around after my two small boys and swim in the River Itchen.
Email: helen.harfoot@ environment-agency.gov.uk



Sara Alexander

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I joined the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme having come from 13 years as an operational flood risk hydrologist in SEPA.

This exciting and ambitious programme combines my passion for hydrometric data and flood risk, supporting the hydrological community by ensuring our data is the best it can be now and in the future.

Outside of work, you will find me either walking or running along the banks of the River Tay with my dogs or swimming in the Tay.

Email: sara.alexander@environment-agency.gov.uk



Chris Skinner

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I’m passionate about seeing science being put into practice and I joined the Environment Agency and FHIP as there is no better place to do this.

I have a background in academia where I researched across all steps of the flood modelling-decision chain, including hydrometeorology, geomorphology, and flood resilience.

In my free time I enjoy science communication: exploring the links between numerical models and videogames, and producing a YouTube channel.

Email: chris.skinner@environment-agency.gov.uk



Caroline Brannan

Role: Programme Manager

Background: I am responsible for managing the programme and ensuring our projects are delivered to the required time, cost and quality and meet the programme's objectives.

I have previously worked in consultancy and several Area and National FCRM teams at the Environment Agency, developing schemes, advising on land use planning and managing delivery of modelling and forecasting projects. I am interested in how we could improve our use and understanding of hydrology operationally to adapt to challenges such as climate change.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cycling, running and plenty of dog walks.

Email: caroline.brannon@environment-agency.gov.uk



Mike Vaughan

Role: Senior Hydrologist

Background: I work part-time on the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme, with the remainder of my time being spent on maintaining and improving the Environment Agency’s flood forecasting capability. I’m pleased to be working in both of these areas as I was previously involved in the development of the Flood Hydrology Roadmap and look forward to operationalising improvements in our hydrological understanding and capabilities that will benefit people’s lives.

I originally started with the National Rivers Authority (a predecessor to the Environment Agency) in 1991, and since then have worked in hydrometry and telemetry, real-time flood forecasting and non-real-time flood estimation. I’ve also worked in academia undertaking hydrological catchment modelling.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking, playing bass guitar, and reading about and understanding our society and economy.

Email: michael.vaughan@ environment-agency.gov.uk








Carl Townley

Role: Project Manager

Background: I joined the Flood Hydrology Improvement Programme in December 2022.

Before FHIP, I spent 6 years in various Hydrometry and Telemetry roles across the Environment Agency and consultancy. For me, the FHIP offers a unique opportunity to deliver widespread and lasting improvements to areas where I can fully appreciate the impact.

Outside of work I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and climbing.

Email: carl.townley@environment-agency.gov.uk



Nick Terrett

Role: Senior Project Manager

Background: I am delighted to be helping deliver such important work that sets the foundations for so much of what we do within flood and coastal risk management to better protect the nation from flooding in a changing climate.

I came to FHIP as a project delivery professional with over 25 years experience across industry; Nuclear, Telecoms and Oil and Gas.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, riding horses with my daughter and surfing with my son but not at the same time.

Email: nick.terrett@environment-agency.gov.uk




Salim Ayomaya

Role: Project Manager

Background: I manage the hydrometric data uncertainty quantification and data rescue projects. I joined FHIP as it entails helping to deliver a programme that will us to more effectively manage flood hazards and support flood risk management strategies. This aligns with my interests.

I have a Bachelors degree in Geology, Masters in Petroleum Geoscience and recently completed my PhD Geology studies from Royal Holloway, University of London.

In my free time, I enjoy watching football and am an Arsenal fan.

Email: salim.ayomaya@environment-agency.gov.uk

















The FHIP team works closely with the National Flood Hydrology team. Where FHIP is focussed on longer-term, strategic improvements to how we do hydrology, the National Flood Hydrology team oversees the day-to-day use of hydrology relating to EA business and delivers shorter-term changes to how we do things now. The National Flood Hydrology team can be contacted via FloodHydrology@environment-agency.gov.uk(External link)

Occassionally there will be positions available within the FHIP team. If we have any available positions they will be advertised on the EA External Opportunities(External link) pages.

Page last updated: 25 Mar 2024, 03:55 PM