Rachel Jackson

University of Warwick

Project

Resilience of soil microbial communities to extreme weather

Supervisors

  • Professor Gary Bending, University of Warwick
  • Dr. Ryan Mushinski, University of Warwick
  • Professor James Covington, University of Warwick
  • Professor Jane Rickson, Cranfield University

PhD Summary

Understand how biological soil crusts form on soil surfaces and how extreme weathers caused by climate change will change these microbial communities and their functions. Specifically erosion protection, carbon and nitrogen storage.

Previous activity

Research Assistant for Algenuity.

Why did you choose doctoral research?

I had an interest in soil microbiology research, and wanted to start my career in this field.

Why did you choose CENTA?

CENTA offered a range of benefits like teaching courses aimed at providing the skills necessary to complete the PhD as well as transferable skills in critical thinking, effective communication (written and spoken) and team working.

Future plans

Provide me with the skills to independently conduct research within soil science, hopefully to continue research in this field after completion of the PhD.