Hi everyone, my name is Emma Hayes and I am a Queen’s University graduate in Geography. My QUADRAT project is investigating and designing new multi-method approaches to combat and evaluate the issues of soil erosion and nutrient run-off across agricultural land in Northern Ireland and Scotland. A variety of techniques are employed in my project including remote sensing, computer modelling and chemical analyses. I come from a rural background and the issues faced through climate change and the demands on agriculture for sustainable practise and maximum productivity is immense. In an ever-changing climate, new strategies must be developed to maximise the potential of agricultural yields whilst also minimising damages to our fragile ecosystems. My project builds upon the skills I have developed at undergraduate level, in particular, my interest in environmental modelling. I used this extensively in my undergraduate dissertation which analysed coastal erosion around Strangford Lough using various functions of ArcGIS. Since a young age, I have always desired to further my education to its maximum potential and studying for a doctorate is simply a dream come true. In my spare time, I compete in endurance riding and have represented Ireland several times competing overseas.
QUADRAT Sponsors and Partners
Ulster Farmers’ Union
SAERI
Northern Ireland Environment Link
National Trust NI
Environment Agency
Scottish water
Mourne Heritage Trust
Forest Research Scotland
Loughs Agency
RSPB NI
Wildbyte Technologies
National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland
BGS
Syngenta
JNCC
Siskin Asset Management
Aberdeen Harbour Board
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Shetland Amenity Trust
DAERA
The Crown Estate
Tilhill Forestry
NI Water
NOAA Fisheries
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
Pacific Seafoods Group
Ireland Brownfield Network
National Trust
James Hutton Institute
Ulster Wildlife
Belfast City Council
Aberdeen City Council
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust
Historic Environment Scotland
Marine Scotland
SEPA
Arup
National Trust for Scotland
Botanaeco
NFU Scotland
Bioversity International
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
SAERI Falklands Limited
CB Dennis Trust
Forestry and Land Scotland
RSPB Scotland
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)
The R&A
3DEO
Geological Survey NI