Student Perspective | Tasmin Griffith | PhD
The main focus of my research is to improve the scientific basis for the management of western Mediterranean wetlands in drylands, specifically looking at the role of carbon within the wetlands.
29th June 2022
Why did you choose Gibraltar?
Studying at home allows me to continue my academic studies and maintain face to face study, whilst working full time and having a family.
What is special about doing your PhD here?
The small cohort of students creates an intimate experience and allows a close relationship with fellow students.
What would you say to someone else who might be considering a PhD with us?
Gibraltar provides a unique location for anyone wishing to study from abroad and is an opportunity for local residents to continue and improve their education whilst balancing other life commitments.
Describe your PhD project:
The main focus of my research is to improve the scientific basis for the management of western Mediterranean wetlands in drylands, specifically looking at the role of carbon within the wetlands.
What type of research has it involved and what skills have you learned/will you be learning?
The project aims to improve our understanding of wetlands in drylands and establish their importance in relation to the regional and global carbon stock. Wetlands in southwest Spain are of vital importance to migrating birds and are a major tourist destination, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers alike. The wetlands also provide a wealth of ecosystem services, the most prominent being sea salt extraction via flooded salt pans. However, major threats to this landscape from intensive agriculture, drainage of the salt marshes, pollution from the mining industry, and climate change, are all cause for major concern and require appropriate management. Developing a framework for integrated management will be at the core of the project, particularly through embedding science into policy.
Infographic source: visualcapitalist.com
Were/are there any partners/stakeholders on your project?
My supervisors are, Dr Keith Bensusan (University of Gibraltar/ Director of the Botanical Gardens, Gibraltar), Professor Andrew Thomas (Aberystwyth University), and Professor Stephen Tooth (Aberystwyth University).
More stakeholders will be involved as the project progresses.
Why should the public know about this topic?
This research follows closely the strategic plan for wetlands in the Mediterranean as published by MedWet and the Ramsar Convention. Their main priorities are analyzing ecosystem services in relation to their production of resources. This project has the potential to contribute to an international bank of data on wetlands, by improving the understanding of geomorphological processes and the carbon characteristics of wetland sites. The project will undertake research to improve our understanding of these wetlands and the services they provide, establishing their importance and the impact that climate and land use change may have on their status and the benefits they provide to the local communities and biodiversity.
Do you have any future plans that will follow from this research?
I would like to encourage education outreach and learning about the themes which my PhD is based on.
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PhD
PhD by Research
Our PhD by research programme is based on independent study, guided by your assigned supervisors and support system. It typically takes a minimum of three years to complete full-time, or a minimum of five years when studied part-time.[...]
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