Title of PhD: Impacts of Extreme Events on Ecosystem Functioning in Streams
Supervisors: Dr Mark Ledger, Dr Lesley Batty
Gavin is a freshwater ecologist, investigating the impacts of extreme events on stream functioning. Using both laboratory microcosm and field mesocosm experimental approaches, Gavin’s research aims to ascertain the functional impacts of drought on UK chalk streams and rivers in the South of England. His research also intends to determine thresholds in which macroinvertebrates will be unable to perform their functional roles, and ecosystem processes may be compromised.
Gavin’s current research project is funded by the UK National Environment Research Council (NERC) and led by Dr Mark Ledger.
Gavin previously studied BSc Environmental Science at the University of Birmingham, where he specialized in freshwater ecology towards the end of his degree and became interested in the impacts of climate change induced stressors and abiotic disturbances on freshwater ecology. Now undertaking doctoral research, Gavin also is an undergraduate field course demonstrator for BSc Environmental Science.