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
Mourne Heritage Trust
Scottish water
Loughs Agency
Siskin Asset Management
Aberdeen Harbour Board
DAERA
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar & Marine Research
Forest Research Scotland
SAERI
JNCC
RSPB NI
SEPA
3DEO
Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute
NOAA Fisheries
Marine Scotland
Northern Ireland Environment Link
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Environment Agency
Historic Environment Scotland
NFU Scotland
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)
Geological Survey NI
CB Dennis Trust
Wildbyte Technologies
Causeway, Coast & Glens Heritage Trust
SAERI Falklands Limited
National Trust for Scotland
National Biodiversity Data Centre Ireland
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Pacific Seafoods Group
Belfast City Council
Bioversity International
National Trust NI
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
Syngenta
Botanaeco
RSPB Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland
The R&A
Ulster Wildlife
Ulster Farmers’ Union
James Hutton Institute
Shetland Amenity Trust
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Arup
BGS
National Trust
Ireland Brownfield Network
Tilhill Forestry
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd
NI Water
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Aberdeen City Council
Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research
The Crown Estate