About me
I completed my BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences at Lancaster University, specialising in environmental science, before undertaking a MSc in Environmental Management with a focus on biogeochemistry. My master’s research was in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, looking at the short-term impacts of forest clear-cutting in boreal drained wetlands on stream phosphorus concentrations to assess risk to downstream aquatic environments. Throughout my education, I have developed a strong passion for understanding and minimising anthropogenic impact on the natural environment through scientific research and innovation.
My Project
Single-use fossil fuel-based plastics are a major environmental pollutant that threaten the health of all global ecosystems. Regenerated cellulose films (RCFs) are a sustainable alternative to plastic films that are derived from cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer. Whilst RCFs are considered biodegradable, little is known about the broader impact of their biodegradation in different environments, especially coated versions which are common in food packaging. My research aims to improve understanding of RCF biodegradation and impact in different environments to inform their potential adoption as a common plastic alternative. This will involve investigating their biodegradability in compost and the rumen, investigating the presence and persistence of residual micro-RCF particles, identifying the microorganisms and mechanisms responsible for their degradation, and determination of their ecotoxicity in plants.