- January 2, 2025
In autumn 2024, Teigan joined the teams at Project Seagrass and Swansea University to undertake a PhD exploring the influence of water quality on greenhouse gas emissions from seagrass.
Teigan’s PhD forms part of Accelerate Seagrass, a collaborative program with Climate Impact Partners, Deloitte, and the National Oceanography Centre to fund UK seagrass recovery and unlock long-term finance to save and reinstate vital seagrass meadows. Find out more about the Accelerate Seagrass program here.
We spoke to Teigan about her PhD and what inspired her to pursue research in seagrass ecosystems. Read the full Q&A below:
What inspired you to pursue research in seagrass ecosystems?
From the moment I first learned about seagrass meadows during my second year of university, I was captivated. I found it astonishing that these vital ecosystems exist while we still understand so little about their dynamics and functions.
For my third-year dissertation, I knew I wanted to complete a seagrass-based project. I explored the feasibility of using satellite imagery to track seagrass populations. I developed a model employing image classification techniques to predict seagrass distribution, further deepening my appreciation for the field. This is what sparked my passion for pursuing research in seagrass ecology. Seagrass is truly extraordinary, and I am continually inspired by its unique ecological role and significance.
Can you share an interesting fact about seagrass that most people might not know?
Here are two of my favourite facts about seagrass that most people may not know! Some species of seagrass exhibit remarkable resilience with instances of growth documented as far north as Greenland! Additionally, despite covering just 0.1% of the ocean floor, seagrass ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of global warming, highlighting their ecological significance.
What’s the most fascinating discovery you’ve made so far in your research?
I have been involved in this project for just under two months, so I am still in the process of reviewing literature and familiarizing myself with potential site locations to complete the gas analysis. However, one notable realisation is the significant gap in knowledge regarding the role of seagrass in greenhouse gas emissions. Surprisingly, only a handful of studies have addressed this topic.
What is the biggest challenge you will face in your research into greenhouse gas emissions from seagrass, and how do you think you’ll overcome it?
The most significant challenge I anticipate is constructing the chamber required for the gas analysis. This will be my first experience designing and building field equipment. To address this, I plan to collaborate closely with experts who previously developed suitable chamber designs to ensure the equipment is fit for purpose. Another challenge I anticipate is the microbial work associated with this project. While I have limited experience completing microbial work, I will work closely with my second supervisor and experienced PhD students to acquire the necessary skills and support for this aspect of the project.
