Roberta McMorran
University of Leicester
Project
Understanding the origins of agriculture to guide future climate adaption
Supervisors
- Professor Mark Williams
- Dr. James Borrell
- Dr. Juan Carlos Berrio
- Professor Robin Allaby
PhD Summary
My research broadly focuses on the origins of agriculture, and what factors drove the transition from hunter-gathering to farming. My project aims to investigate the paleoclimatic and socio-cultural drivers of crop domestication, diversity and dispersal. I’m particularly interested in spatio-temporal patterns of crop homogenization over time, and how early-state coercion and conquest contributes to this homogenization. I’m also interested the drivers of historical crop loss/underutilization, and whether these species can be more effectively mobilized under future climate change scenarios.
Previous activity
I previously studied world literatures, international relations and history at Simon Fraser University in Canada. I then moved to the United Kingdom where I worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for 6 years. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter in 2024, where I majored in Physical Geography with Applied GIS. I also spent the summer of 2023 working as a MITACS research intern at the Sustainable Agriculture Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, where I helped to develop and implement a protocol for soil carbon fractionation experiments.
Why did you choose doctoral research?
The highlights of my educational journey have always revolved around the scientific research process. I love to delve deeply into a complex, novel problem, and my experience in the laboratory and in writing my undergraduate dissertation affirmed an enduring interest in agriculture, palaeoenvironments and climate adaptation. I felt that undertaking a doctoral research project would allow me to not only develop my skills as a scientist but also contribute meaningfully to ongoing work on climate adaptation.
Why did you choose CENTA?
CENTA offers a fantastic catalogue of training opportunities; I appreciate the focus on developing our professional skills beyond academia. CENTA is also committed to improving opportunities for a diverse range of candidates. My CENTA project grants me access to world class facilities and mentors, as well as a dynamic cohort of new researchers
Future plans
I hope to continue as an academic researcher, although I’d be more than happy to work in industry or for an NGO. Completing my PhD with CENTA will equip me with the skills and experience to succeed in whichever path I choose.