Hello, my name is Liam, and I have recently commenced my PhD at Queen’s University Belfast within the School of Biological Sciences. Prior to starting at Queen’s University Belfast, I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science within Ulster University’s School of Geography and Environmental Sciences in Coleraine.
Under the supervision of Prof Andrew Cooper, I completed my undergraduate dissertation titled “A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Abundance, Morphology, and Diversity of Microplastics Across Beaches in Northern Ireland.” In this project, I investigated how microplastic abundances, shapes, and colourations varied spatially and seasonally across Northern Ireland’s coastline. I also identified variables likely influencing observed differences and relationships in microplastic abundance and distribution. Designing and conducting this research project sparked a keen interest within me to strive to become a researcher.
During my time as an undergraduate, I also completed a placement year in the telecommunications industry as a GIS Fibre Planner with Viberoptix. Here, I was involved in planning PON full-fibre networks for Projects Acorn, Halo, and Stratum, working both field and office environments. I utilised ESRI products daily to build maps, conduct field surveys, design network infrastructure, and perform quality checks on designs using a range of geoprocessing techniques.
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I assessed the trophic statuses and ecologies of both Lough Neagh and Lough Erne through various fieldwork experiences, which fuelled my passion for understanding freshwater environments. Specifically, I gained an interest in hydrological processes at catchment scales and the impacts of pollution on water quality and aquatic ecology. Given this passion and my background in pollution research, when I saw the PhD opportunity titled “Understanding the Drivers of Change in the UK’s Largest Freshwater Ecosystem,” I knew I had to apply. Now that I’ve commenced my PhD journey in a topic area that I love, I’m excited and look forward to my future as a Cohort 6 QUADRAT student.
Beyond research, I have a personal interest in photography, particularly capturing the aurora borealis and landscapes from above.
