Explore fully funded PhD opportunities in the UK focused on sustainable transition to nature-based solutions for coastal defense. Join the forefront of environmental research.
This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded interdisciplinary research under the Sustainable Transitions Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Essex.
The purpose of the research is to examine if oyster reefs in these estuaries could act as natural breakwaters for example by breaking wave energy, reducing coastal erosion rates, and shielding from storm attacks.
Oyster reefs serve the environment and benefit commercial fisheries by enhancing water quality. Unfortunately, little information exists about the position of our native and invasive oyster shellfish farms along this seashore, so more studies should be conducted addressing needs, policies, legal documents, socio-economic reasons, and nature conservation aspects hindering their establishment.
Supervisors
- Dr Michael Steinke (Senior Lecturer) School of Life Sciences
- Dr Katy Wheeler (Senior Lecturer) Department of Sociology and Criminology
- Dr Maged Ali (Reader) EBS – Management and Marketing
Training and support
Doctoral scholars may gain benefits from the Sustainable Transitions training program that provides interdisciplinary research techniques, secondary discipline instruction, and constant training. Additionally, Proficio has offered financial assistance amounting to £2,500 for training and £10,000 for research expenses. Moreover, they are encouraged to audit or take university courses while belonging to the Center for Environment and Society at the University of Essex.
The principal discipline supervisor takes the lead in project supervision. For further information about supervision, visit the Guidance for Applicants (.pdf) paper.
