Rebekah graduates from Queen’s University Belfast having completed a professional studies year working with Ulster Wildlife on marine habitat restoration. As part of this work, Rebekah collaborated with colleagues at Ulster Wildlife to research the history of seagrass in Northern Ireland.

Seagrass is recognised as a vital ‘blue carbon’ habitat, with potential to support climate change mitigation and adaptation—an importance highlighted in the recently published government Blue Carbon Action Plan. Rebekah has written up her research into a scientific paper as lead author. The paper, entitled "Coastal Roots: The History of Seagrass in Northern Ireland," was recently published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association and directly supports the knowledge needed to implement the Blue Carbon Action Plan.

“I feel really privileged to have had the opportunity to carry out this research and to be the lead author on the paper. It’s opened my eyes to just how much we don’t know within marine biology, and I’ve learned so much throughout the process.”

Rebekah’s placement also included involvement with Ulster Wildlife’s native oyster restoration project - another key species identified in the Blue Carbon Action Plan. Rebekah continued to research the biodiversity of native oysters during her Honours project.

 

 

Beyond her academic work, Rebekah was also president of the QUB Marine Biology and Zoology Society, helping to grow the society’s membership and activity.

“So much of my university experience has been shaped by the people I’ve experienced it with. Leading the Marine Biology and Zoology Society in particular has allowed me to cross paths with so many amazing people who have helped me learn so much and have supported me throughout the journey.”

 

Looking ahead, Rebekah is thrilled to have been awarded a PhD studentship at Queen’s, where she’ll continue her research into marine habitat restoration.

“I was sure that I hadn’t been successful and was so disappointed - which reminded me just how much I wanted to engage in this research. The phone call came quite soon after that and I couldn’t believe it. It was a surreal moment because it felt like only a few months ago that I started my degree and here I was being offered the chance to work towards a PhD!”

“I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me, provided me with support and has encouraged me to learn more. There are so many lecturers and academics in Belfast and at the Marine Lab in Portaferry who have really helped shape my degree and allowed me to get so much out of my time here.”

 

Her advice for current students?

“Don’t forget to enjoy it. It can all get very intense and stressful at times, and it can be easy to lose sight of what the whole point is. It’s so important to nurture your interest and allow yourself the time to have a bit of fun along the way.”

Media

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