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During my undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter, I specialised in Animal Biology, while keeping up modules in micro- and molecular biology, as well as forensics. My undergraduate research project took a forensic lean on the effect of temperature on the life cycle of the blowfly species Lucilia sericata, whilst incorporating a model to consider the potential implications of climate change on forensic estimates of postmortem interval.

My research interests focus on how anthropogenic stressors influence marine ecosystems, and how environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to detect and monitor these changes. I have experience in biodiversity monitoring, molecular techniques, and field-based marine ecology, having worked on projects spanning both temperate and coastal habitats. Currently, my PhD research examines the biodiversity associated with maërl beds around the UK, using novel eDNA approaches alongside aquaria-based experiments and field surveys. I aim to generate insights into the functioning and resilience of maërl ecosystems that can inform conservation policy and management of these key habitat-forming species.

Maerl beds, formed by free-living coralline algae, are among the most structurally and ecologically valuable marine habitats in UK and European waters. They provide three-dimensional nursery grounds for fish and shellfish of commercial importance and contribute to carbon sequestration, yet remain poorly understood despite their designation as priority habitats under UK and EU legislation. While previous research has focused on mapping and broad ecological descriptions, less is known about the biological resilience of Maerl-forming species and the biodiversity they support under increasing environmental pressure.

My PhD takes a multi-scale approach to address this gap. Through controlled aquarium experiments, I am testing the impacts of key anthropogenic stressors (e.g. temperature change, nutrient loading, and sedimentation) on living Maerl, assessing physiological and ecological responses. These experiments are paired with field surveys using environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) to characterise associated biodiversity in situ, providing insights into both community structure and the dynamics of active biological processes. By combining lab and field methods, my work aims to link mechanistic stressor responses with real-world biodiversity patterns.

In addition, particle tracking models will be implemented to explore dispersal and connectivity between maërl habitats, helping to understand recruitment and recovery potential. Together, these approaches will generate novel insights into Maerl ecosystem functioning, biodiversity support, and resilience. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations for my project partners to inform conservation policy, management strategies, and restoration initiatives across UK Maerl sites.

The SuMMeR CDT appeared as the perfect opportunity for me to continue my postgraduate (MSc) studies into Maerl within such a diverse and talented team at the University of Exeter. While working alongside key stakeholders and leading researchers, the SuMMeR CDT offers me a platform to embark upon a multidisciplinary approach towards researching what is an under-represented marine habitat within existing literature, simultaneously developing myself as a person and furthering my career as a researcher.