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I studied Biology BSc at the University of Kent, focusing on ecology and climate change. I then completed the MRes Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth, where my thesis explored how native UK kelp species will respond to environmentally relevant marine heatwaves, and how the different properties of marine heatwaves can impact responses. I was then able to further my research looking at the responses of multiple habitat forming species (seagrass, mussels and oysters) to marine heatwaves, as well as investigating the critical thermal maxima (CTmax) of UK kelp species as a Research Assistant at the Marine Biological Association.

The main focus of my research is looking into the vulnerability of UK kelp species to climate change and extreme climatic events. I am interested in how we can apply these known vulnerabilities into restoration techniques and the potential for enhancing thermal resistance in kelp restoration efforts. 

During both the MRes course and my time as a Research Assistant at the MBA I was able to use large mesocosm experiments to simulate ecological relevant marine heatwaves and measure stress responses of multiple habitat forming species. 

I also have experience surveying both the temperate intertidal via snorkel surveys and the tropical subtidal using scuba diving techniques during an internship in Fiji.

Kelps function as key foundation species that form diverse and productive forests, which are distributed along ~25% of the world’s coastlines. These vital marine ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, particularly ocean warming, which is predicted to intensify in the coming decades. Populations found towards the edges of any given species’ range are generally more responsive to warming compared with range centre populations, and both range contractions and expansions have been commonly observed towards the warmer trailing edge and cooler leading edge, respectively. 

One potential approach to combat loss of kelp forests is habitat restoration, which has proved successful in facilitating recovery in some kelp ecosystems, although efforts must consider projections of further warming which will continue assert thermal stress. This research will explore the potential of using thermal priming as a strategy to enhance thermal tolerance and subsequently ‘future-proof’ kelp restoration efforts. Priming is a technique often used in terrestrial agriculture, whereby seeds are exposed to a stress to improve resistance and performance of the desired crop. 

Kelp gametophytes collected from range edge and range centre populations will be preexposed to elevated temperatures and differences in their survival and development will be assessed. The ability of the gametophytes to produce resilient sporophytes will be examined. Primed and non-primed sporophytes will undergo thermal tolerance experiments to evaluate whether thermal priming has positive effects on offspring survival and performance in kelp. 

This study will highlight the potential importance of integrating thermal priming techniques in future kelp restoration to enhance efforts and mitigate impact of ocean warming and other concurrent stressors

The title of the PhD really sparked my interest as I saw a potential gap in the knowledge in reference to viable UK kelp restoration techniques and how effective this can be in light of the impact climate change. I would like to explore, using my previous work on kelp thermal tolerance, potential enhancement of thermal tolerance and application in restoration efforts. 

The CDT SuMMeR programme will allow me to see my work from a more transdisciplinary approach, whereas my previous research has mainly a ecological focus. Using the training and support supplied by the CDT SuMMeR programme, I am excited to expand my skills to incorporate socioeconomic work and stakeholder engagement to implement my work into real world perspectives.