Studying the seas, from Plymouth to Japan

Navigating the waters: from Plymouth alumni to researcher in Japan

“After completing my undergraduate degree in 2008 at Plymouth, I worked for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Samos, Greece at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, for a year doing marine conservation.

“The next year saw me study at Bangor University, where I completed a masters in marine environmental protection. I followed this up by working as a research assistant on a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) project for one year, where I investigated the effects of climate change on intertidal organisms – the area above water at low tide and under water at high tide.

“My next step saw me move to Aberystwyth University to begin my PhD on the ‘effects of ocean acidification and warming on biotic interactions and marine ecosystems’. I then combined a short-term post-doctoral position and temporary lectureship in marine ecology at the same institution.

“Finally, I secured my current position as an Assistant Professor in the Shimoda Marine Research Center at the University of Tsukuba.

"Here in Japan, I carry out teaching and research on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, using CO2 seeps as a natural analogue."

My research focus

“I am broadly interested in all aspects of marine ecology, particularly the role of environmental change on community structure and ecosystem functioning.

“My research has generally focused on the effects of climate change on species physiology, population demographics, and community-level interactions. At present, I am using the CO2 seep system in Mikama Bay, Shikine Island, Japan, to investigate the ecosystem-level, long-term effects of ocean acidification. 

"Overall, my research has been interdisciplinary in nature, including manipulative experiments in aquarium mesocosms, in-situ experiments involving natural gradients (CO2 seeps), laboratory-based work such as population genetics, meta-analytical approaches, and modelling approaches including dynamic energy budgets and structural equation modelling."

“I chose to study at Plymouth because the course covered a broad range of subjects – from the physical processes to the biology and chemistry – this gave me a good knowledge foundation in the first year, which allowed me to focus on the subjects I was more interested in for the subsequent years.

"As I am currently working in the field of climate change, this almost interdisciplinary approach was, and still is, extremely relevant. 

"Another reason I choose Plymouth was because of the scientific diving on offer – a skillset I frequently use as part of my current role."

Moving into academia

“Before studying at Plymouth, I hadn’t thought a career in academia was a viable option for me, and I had only planned to complete my undergraduate degree before finding work. It was during my third year with some encouragement from a few faculty members that I moved towards more of a research route, ultimately culminating in my current position.

“I would recommend all undergraduates to make more use of the opportunities to carry out research during their studies. It is my experience now that hard-working undergraduates can make really valuable contributions to scientific research – and even get involved in published work, an important aspect for careers in academia.

“My time at Plymouth allowed me to build my confidence, and to acquire the necessary foundation of knowledge and skills that allowed me to start down my present career path. It could be argued I learned how to learn, which instilled the inherent curiosity for marine ecology I now possess.”