The atmospheric concentration of methane (CH₄) has increased ~160% since the industrial revolution and has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period, making it a potent and globally important greenhouse gas. Anthropogenic increases in CH₄ are attributed mainly to agriculture, emissions from landfill and fossil fuel burning and exploration. In natural ecosystems, CH₄ emissions are the product of anaerobic respiration by methanogenic archaea, with CH₄ consumption occurring through activity by methanotrophic bacteria, which gain energy by oxidizing CH₄. Recent discoveries have identified tree surfaces such as bark and foliage as significant sites of CH₄ uptake in forests, mediated by methanotroph communities, with uptake rates having been found to increase at greater heights along tree stems. The mechanisms behind this are not well understood, necessitating investigation of the abundance and diversity of methanotroph and methanogen communities along tree profiles, from roots to the canopy, along with methane fluxes from tree surfaces. This project will place a particular focus on foliage, as there are significant knowledge gaps in relation to foliar methane fluxes and associated microbial communities. Research at BIFoR-FACE, a free-air CO₂ enrichment facility, will examine the effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ on these communities, accompanied by research at Norbury Park, just outside the facility, where the effects of species and age of tree can be investigated. In addition, work from this project will tie in with ongoing research at the University of Birmingham around microbiome engineering of methanotroph communities on trees.
I completed a BSc in Wildlife Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University and an MSc in Plant Science at Lund University, where I developed a passion for microbial ecology research. My master’s thesis investigated the influence of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi on soil carbon storage in heathlands and forests.
I enjoy the process of scientific research, from fieldwork to the presentation of findings. I felt that doctoral research presented the best route for engaging in my research interests, as well as offering the chance to develop my scientific skills.
CENTA offered me the opportunity to work at a world-leading research facility, as well as providing a broad range of training and introducing me to a cohort of PhD students who share the same passion for scientific research.
I would like to continue working within climate change research, either in industry or in academia. Completing a PhD will offer me the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue this career path.
