Nicole launched her dream AI business to protect corals

Nicole Yeomans, who found her way to Derby through Clearing, is developing an early warning platform to help aquariums, reef keepers, and restoration teams spot signs of coral stress before damage becomes obvious. 

On A-level results day, Nicole decided to explore her options through Clearing – a decision that would change the course of her life. 

Today, Nicole is a marine scientist, founder and PhD researcher at the University of Derby, who has developed innovative AI technology to support coral reef restoration around the world. But her journey to success was far from straightforward. 

Nicole’s route into science wasn’t conventional. Growing up as the daughter of a world-renowned snake expert, her childhood was anything but ordinary. She spent her early years surrounded by some of the world's most venomous snakes and even lived in Spain, where she worked as a zookeeper training Komodo dragons. 

Despite her passion for wildlife, Nicole struggled with school. 

"I never felt like I fitted the education system, or that the system fitted me," she said. "I always knew a different path was calling me, and that one day I would build something of my own.” 

Later, Nicole worked alongside her father on the UK’s first sanctuary for king cobras. Just three days ahead of the official opening, her father tragically passed away. 

Describing herself as “her father’s protégé”, Nicole was determined to honour his legacy and focused on pursuing a career in zoology.  

A Clearing decision that changed everything 

Through Clearing, Nicole discovered the University of Derby’s BSc (Hons) Zoology course. 

"Looking back, Clearing was the turning point that changed everything. 

"From the moment I arrived at Derby, it felt like home," she said. "The people, the opportunities, and the support confirmed I had made the right decision." 

Discovering a passion for marine science 

One person who would have a lasting influence on Nicole’s future was Professor Michael Sweet, a globally recognised marine scientist. 

"Mike saw my passion for the ocean and introduced me to a whole new world of possibilities,” she said. “He helped me realise that a career in marine science was something I could achieve." 

Throughout her degree, Nicole gained practical experience through Derby's Aquatic Research Facility and fieldwork opportunities. A research trip to the Maldives ultimately shaped the direction of her career, introducing her to the hidden world of coral microbiology. 

"The Maldives was mind-blowing. It looked like the front cover of a luxury travel brochure, but beneath the surface were these alien worlds communicating in a language most of us cannot yet understand.  

“I became fascinated by bacterial biofilms, tiny living layers that can send signals telling coral larvae where to settle and make their home. It was profound, and it changed how I saw the ocean." 

The experience was transformative in more ways than one. 

"I remember sitting on a speedboat leaving the island and feeling the sea spray on my hands. It was the moment I realised I could be happy again after losing my dad. 

"Derby didn't just teach me science. It helped me heal and gave me a new sense of purpose." 

Building a dream career  

After graduating in 2016, Nicole built a career across marine policy, nature positive infrastructure and biodiversity technology, working with organisations trying to understand and protect nature more effectively. 

Her expertise soon earned international recognition, including an invitation to speak at a United Nations conference.  

Yet throughout her career, she remained inspired by the possibilities she first discovered at Derby. 

A decade after graduating, Nicole returned to Derby as a PhD research student, once again working alongside Professor Sweet to explore how conservation and restoration science can be turned into practical tools with real environmental impact.  

Turning research into a business 

Nicole first had the idea for BlueBiome when she began her PhD nearly five years ago.  

The vision was to bring coral science, microbiology, and practical reef care together so that restoration teams could spot problems earlier and act before visible damage appeared. 

Now, with the explosion of accessible AI, she has been able to turn that research into a real platform.  

Together with Professor Sweet, as co-founder of BlueBiome, Nicole is working to turn coral microbiome science into practical tools that help tackle one of nature’s most pressing challenges. 

Using the same simple idea behind the human gut health revolution, BlueBiome aims to understand the microbes living with corals and use carefully selected probiotics to help restore balance. 

Often described as a fitness tracker for corals, the platform turns complex biological signals into clear next steps for the people looking after reefs and reef tanks. 

The concept has already received international recognition, with Nicole recently winning the prestigious EarthX Ocean Innovation Prize. 

"Starting my own business has always been a dream," she said. "To now be developing technology that could help protect some of the world's most vulnerable ecosystems is incredibly rewarding."

Looking back 

Now balancing life as a PhD researcher, mother, entrepreneur and commercial leader, Nicole credits much of her success to the opportunity she found through Clearing. 

"It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me.  

"Clearing opened the door to Derby, but Derby opened the door to the ocean. I found my purpose, and the opportunity to create something that can have a real impact on reefs around the world.” 

Nicole's story is a reminder that one day doesn't have to define your future. Sometimes the path you didn't plan for can lead to opportunities beyond anything you imagined. 

Find out more about applying to the University of Derby through Clearing.