Department: Smale Group

My role as a research assistant within Dr Dan Smale’s group involves supporting the science through assisting with scientific diving operations, rocky shore surveys and laboratory processing of benthic marine samples. I graduated from the University of Plymouth with an MRes in Applied Marine Science where my project focused on the impact of Artificial Light at Night on the larval development of benthic marine organisms. All aspects of the ocean fascinate me and maintaining my 200L reef tank is one of my favourite hobbies that allows me to enjoy watching coral and fish at home

I am a PhD student funded by WWF, working with Prof. Pippa Moore (Newcastle University) and Dr. Dan Smale (MBA). The project aims to quantify the contribution of kelp farming to Blue Carbon ecosystem services. This will involve determining rates of particulate and dissolved organic carbon loss and quantifying kelp-derived carbon in sediments in and around kelp farms. A variety of techniques will be applied, including lead dating, stable isotope analysis and eDNA, as well as closely working together with kelp farms in the UK to develop protocols for cost-effectively monitoring carbon sequestration. Previously, I studied BSc Marine and Freshwater Biology at Aberystwyth University, completing my dissertation on the effect of ecologically realistic marine heatwaves on kelp and kelp associated species under the supervision of Prof. Pippa Moore. Following this, I graduated from the MRes Marine Biology programme at Plymouth University. Here, supervised by Dr. Antony Knights, I characterised dispersal of kelp species associated with the UK to better understand patterns connectivity using a particle-tracking model.

I am a PhD student at the University of Exeter, the Marine Biological Association and Cefas. My research focuses on evaluating and maximising the environmental benefits of seaweed farming in the Southwest, particularly in terms of quantifying the habitat value and biodiversity supported by seaweed farms. I investigate everything from the small epibionts colonising the farms, to benthic infauna and mobile fish populations of potential conservation and commercial importance. The aim of this work is to inform the regulation and development of ecosystem-based approaches to aid in the expansion of seaweed cultivation around the UK. Previously, I studied MSci Marine Biology at the University of Exeter, where I worked on diverse research projects from the effects of clutch relocation on loggerhead sea turtles, to the development of a low-cost in situ method to quantify estuarine-air carbon dioxide fluxes. After graduating, I worked as a research assistant on the Atlantic Meridional Transect Ocean Flux from Satellite Campaign (AMT4OceanSatFlux) funded by the European Space Agency. This project estimated Atlantic Ocean carbon dioxide exchange using satellite and in situ data to enhance monitoring and validate current predictions of the ocean carbon sink. Outside of academia, I am passionate about science communication and wildlife filmmaking.

I am a first year PhD student researching the ecosystem services provided by seaweed aquaculture. This is a CDT SuMMeR studentship run jointly through the MBA and the University of Plymouth. The project aims to bridge the gap between pure and applied science encouraging a transdisciplinary way of working. I have previously attained a First Class BSc in Biological Sciences, as well as a Distinction (Deans Commendation) grade MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity, both from the University of Exeter. I have also previously worked as a research intern with Red Sea Project, Egypt and as a statistical advisor for Global Reef, Thailand. I am an avid diver and have attained my BSAC Sports Diver qualification. I am excited to be taking the next step in my academic career as a part of the MBA.

I am a marine ecologist and postgraduate researcher in Dr Dan Smale’s group (BEECH – Benthic Ecosystems and Environmental Change). I have a keen interest in kelp forest community structure and the ecosystem services it provides. My research is focused on the effects of climate change stressors (especially ocean warming) on foundation species such as kelps, their associated flora and fauna community, and shifts of species distributions in the NE Atlantic. I will explore resulting physiological responses of kelp to changing conditions on both individuals and population based levels, as well as the impacts on the entire ecosystems. Before starting my PhD in Plymouth in 2019 (enrolled at the University of Southampton, INSPIRE DTP), I studied Biological Sciences (BSc) and Marine Biology (MSc) at the University of Rostock in Germany at the Baltic Sea. I have work experience in Canada, New Zealand and Chile as well as on board of scientific vessels.

I’m a marine ecologist and my research focuses on understanding how marine communities can adapt to survive in a changing world. I currently work as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Benthic Ecosystems and Environmental Change group supervised by Dr Dan Smale. My current research focuses on improving our understanding of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of marine heatwaves in global coastal ecosystems.

Over the past >10 years I have worked extensively on examining the impacts of climate change and other environmental stressors on marine species both in the field and in the laboratory. Through past and current projects, I have studied both coastal and offshore environments covering tropical to polar regions.

I’m a marine ecologist with 6 years’ of research experience in seaweed cultivation, ecology, and restoration, and >15 years’ working with a broader marine research and conservation remit. Through my current role as Senior Research Assistant in the Benthic Ecosystems and Environmental Change group supervised by Dr Dan Smale. I support a dynamic research group of 12 scientists though work as a scientific diver, commercially endorsed skipper, on the rocky shore and in the lab. I have a keen interest in applied research outcomes and enjoy working closely with industry partners. My research focusses optimising seaweed farming in the UK, quantifying the ecosystem services (e.g. habitat provision and CO2 draw down) provided by seaweed farms, and exploring feasibility of kelp forest restoration in a UK context.

I hold a Master’s in Research degree in Marine Biology, and have previously worked for Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the National Lobster Hatchery. I’m passionate about marine conservation, sustainable resource management, and improved marine stewardship. I aim to contribute towards these goals by translating research outcomes into commercial outputs, and showcasing how fascinating and important marine ecosystems are.