Millie Brown, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 3

After graduating with a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Stirling, I gained experience as a professional scuba diver in Indonesia followed by working in a start-up in Scotland as a shrimp farmer, producing sustainable marine protein for the aquaculture industry. After this, I got an MSc in Marine Ecosystem Management from the University of St Andrews, where I homed in on statistical modelling and an interest in seagrass and kelp ecosystems.

I’ve dived into Scotland’s seagrass community where I’ve explored meadow environmental variability to inform restoration efforts. This ignited my interest in driving local monitoring which I hope to expand and develop across Scotland, embodying coastal communities at its core. I’m passionate about communicating the importance of temperate coastal habitats to society and governmental bodies because their value is underrepresented, despite their global decline. Lastly, I’ve got a strong interest in mapping marine habitats as currently incomplete maps are inhibiting adequate protection, and because I enjoy creating engaging visuals. 

My project investigates carbon storage services across the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. My research asks where are the most valuable carbon stocks? Should we include habitat mosaics in climate mitigation policies? How does carbon flow through Orkney’s seascape from source to sink? 

Focussing on seagrass, maerl beds and kelp ecosystems, sediment cores will be collected to quantify (1) organic carbon stocks, (2) organic carbon accumulation and permanence, and (3) identify the organic carbon sources that make up carbon stocks. 

This project will provide evidence to propose specific carbon hotspots which warrant protection as a priority. Understanding the origins of organic carbon in carbon stocks will paint a picture of habitat connectivity which can be utilised to strategically protect sources as well as stocks, to maximise the carbon sequestration capacity of Orkney’s seascape. Outputs from this PhD include an updated habitat distribution map for Orkney, a heatmap showing carbon hotspots and reports for the Marine Planning team at the Orkney Islands Council.

My project immediately jumped out at me: habitat mosaics, scientific diving and the emerging field of Blue Carbon research in a remote Scottish archipelago. It ticked all my boxes, presenting the opportunity to develop fieldwork, experimental design and modelling expertise, alongside the experts in this field. 

I was keen to join CDT SuMMeR because I liked the idea of being in a community of interdisciplinary researchers, all moving through the PhD journey together – especially being situated in a smaller, remote place. I also knew having access to the numerous experts affiliated with CDT SuMMeR would be welcome throughout my project.