RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in the role of key benthic organisms in the regulation of ecosystem function in soft sediment environments.
The mechanisms by which key species influence the processes that underpin ecosystem function are still poorly understood in marine systems, due to the complexities of interactions across spatial and temporal scales.
​
My research focuses on establishing the influence of key bioturbating species on nutrient fluxes across the sediment-water interface in both present and future world scenarios, primarily through field base studies. I am also interested in the resilience and recovery of benthic communities following disturbance events. A better understanding of these dynamics will lead to more effective management of marine resources.
UNDERGRADUATE
TEACHING
RESEARCH AREAS
Nutrient Recycling
EARTH102
DISCOVERING PLANET EARTH
Biodiversity Ecosystem Functioning
Ecosystem Engineers
Sediment Dynamics
ERTH101
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
STUDENT SUPERVISION
PhD
Tarn Drylie (2015 -)
-
Topic: Future world effects on benthic ecosystem structure and function
-
Co-supervisors: Conrad Pilditch (chief), Drew Lohrer (NIWA), Adam Hartland. Funding: NIWA PhD Scholarship
​
Georgina Flowers (2018 -)
-
Topic: Environmental drivers of ecosystem function across intertidal habitats.
-
Co-supervisors: Conrad Pilditch (chief), Drew Lohrer (NIWA), Richard Bulmer (NIWA). Funding: Bay of Plenty regional council PhD Scholarship
​
​
​
MSc (Research)
Kit Squires (completed 2019)
-
Topic: Examining Ecosystem Functioning across an Estaurine Eutrophication Gradient. Funding: UoW strategic investment funding.
​
Michal Ferries (2019 -)
-
Topic: The use of seagrass (Zostera muelleri) habitat by the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) in Waikato estuaries. Funding: Waikato Regional Council.
​
​
​