Anna Tidy, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 2

As an undergraduate student I studied Environmental Science at the University of Birmingham, during which I undertook a placement year at Cawthron Institute in New Zealand as a coastal and freshwater research intern. Upon finishing my degree, I studied a masters in Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth.

Following this, I have spent the past two years working as a molecular biologist at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in the Aquatic Animal Health research team.

During my year at Cawthron, one of my projects involved investigating the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for the detection of invasive species, sparking my interest in the powerful potential of molecular-based tools for environmental research and conservation. For my masters degree I used DNA metabarcoding to characterise microbial communities associated with single microplastic particles, and then model the effect of particle characteristic and biogeography on microbial community composition. I have since been developing my skills as a research scientist through my work at Cefas over the past two years. I have been focussed upon the detection of both known and emerging pathogens of commercially important fish, shellfish and crustaceans as well as host-pathogen interactions.

In this PhD, we will explore waterborne pathogens in relation to the presence of seaweeds and seagrasses. We will use field and laboratory experiments to investigate the mechanisms driving positive or negative associations between pathogenic microbes and seaweeds and seagrasses as well as explore nature-based solutions to mitigate the problem of poor water quality. Satellite based tools will also be used to map pathogen risk in the presence and absence of seaweed and seagrass habitats. Primarily, the aim is to (1) address the extent of association of pathogenic microbes with seaweeds and seagrasses, (2) understand if seaweeds and seagrasses can be used as nature-based solutions to remove microbiological contamination and (3) use the data obtained to develop satellite-based risk maps. This project is strongly aligned with SDG targets on ‘Health’, ‘Water Quality’ and ‘Life under Water’ and may provide important research to support policy guidance on water quality.

I applied for this PhD with CDT SuMMeR for several reasons. Firstly, it aligns strongly with my research interests, and has a focus upon sustainable management and environmental regeneration, hence promotes positive environmental change. Also, the transdisciplinary nature of the CDT projects brings together leading scientific institutions, providing me with a diverse supervisory team and vast learning opportunities. It will be exciting to bring together multiple disciplines to help tackle a complexed global issue. The involvement of policy stakeholders also means that my research could produce actionable findings to inform policy and enforce change.