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