- School of Environmental Sciences
- University of East Anglia
- Laboratory for Global Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry
- Norwich
- NR4 7TJ
- UK
- +44 (0)
Research Interests
see below for PhD opportunities
Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the biogeochemical cycles that are essential for the functioning of the whole Earth system. My research interests focus primarily on various marine microorganisms (marine phytoplankton, microzooplankton, bacteria, viruses) and how their interactions with each other and/or the environment leads to the production of trace gases. These volatile compounds are emitted to the air where they can influence atmospheric chemistry and global climate.
The biogeochemical cycle of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and biogenic production of halocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons are of particular interest. In addition my group works on the DMS precursor dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), related compounds dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and acrylic acid, seaweeds and the inorganic iodine species iodate and iodide. Our research has contributed to improving understanding of the physiology, biochemistry and ecology behind the production of trace gases and related compounds. As a natural extension to this I am also involved in projects on other aspects of biological oceanography, biogeochemistry and the exploitation of microalgae (e.g. for biofuels and high-value products).
The research involves laboratory experiments on samples collected in the natural environment and cultures of marine microorganisms (phytoplankton, microzooplankton, bacteria and viruses), as well as field work (onboard research ships and at land-based fieldwork sites).
Links for related information:
Publications since 2000
Lab facilities
Current and completed grants
See http://lgmacweb.env.uea.ac.uk/lgmac/dmsp/ for information on the 4th International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Chemistry of DMS(P) and Related Compounds, May 2006.
MSc, PhD & Postdoctoral Research Opportunities
I welcome enquiries at any time – see full contact details above. Specific opportunities will be posted on this site as and when available.
PhD Opportunities
As of October 2009 we are advertising for applicants for PhD positions that will start in October 2010. I am offering a project entitled Do marine diatoms play an important global role in the production of DMS and its precursor DMSP?
https://researchpages.net/media/resources/2009/10/08/PhD_description_ResearchPages_Oct09_Marine_diatoms_and_DMS-P_.pdf
Click on the link for further information about this project.
In addition, it is sometimes possible to develop a project idea that fits to an applicants specific research interests.
UK and EU candidates: Most PhD positions commence in October. We fund PhD's via a variety of funding schemes and applicants usually compete for funding with a pool of other applicants. If you are interested please contact me with a view to getting an application in as soon as possible. International candidates: Most of our international students obtain funding to do a PhD from their home countries or agencies such as the British Council. If you are interested in joining our lab please email me with your CV and a short description of the area of research you are most interested in.Self-funding PhD applicants are welcome to apply at any time.
My Current Positions
I work in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA). A 10-year period as a UK Environment Research Council (NERC) Advanced Research Fellow gave me the opportunity to establish a research group and the Marine Trace Gas Biology Laboratory. This is part of the School’s Laboratory for Global Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry (LGMAC). I was appointed to a Readership in Biological Oceanography position commencing June 2009.
In August 2009 I took over the position of Safety Co-Ordinator for the School of Environmental Sciences. I also represent the School of the Biohazards and Genetic Manipulation Committee. I have been the Chair of the School of Environmental Sciences Researchers’ Affairs Forum since 2002 but I will be handing over this role in January 2010. I represent the 100+ Researchers on the School’s Executive Group. I am also on the committee for ResNET which is a contact, support and information network for women working in research at the University of East Anglia and the adjacent Institutes on the Norwich Research Park.
Beyond UEA I am a co-opted member of the British Phycological Society’s Awards & Training Committee, and I am on the steering committee for the U.K. Natural Environmental Research Council Earth Observation Data Acquisition and Analysis Service (NEODAAS).