PhD title: Climate change effect on soil C fluxes – production and transport of CO₂ in soils prone to water repellency. 

Water repellency (or hydrophobicity) restricts infiltration and affects soil water distribution. In the presence of water repellency large parts of the soil often remain dry even after substantial rainfall. The reduced availability of soil water can directly influence soil C fluxes between soil and the atmosphere. Future climate scenarios with increased temperatures and prolonged dry spells will likely enhance the development and persistence of soil water repellency. The project focuses on investigating CO₂ fluxes after the rewetting of hydrophobic soils by combining both, field and laboratory approaches.

Supervisors: Dr Emilia Urbanek, Prof. Stefan Doerr

Education:

• July 2016 – present: PhD candidate, Physical Geography, Swansea University, UK
• 2012 – 2014: MSc (by research) Environmental Management, University of Malta, UK
• 2011 – 2012: Diploma in Agriculture, University of Malta, UK
• 2004 – 2009: BSc (Hons) in Environmental Sciences, University of Granada, Spain

Professional:

• June 2014 – May 2016, Glasgow City Council: Future City Glasgow Project and Engagement Officer, Graduate Development Programme.
• January 2012 – January 2014, University of Malta, Institute of Earth Systems: Research Support, PROMED Project.
• November 2010 – May 2011, AquaBioTech Group, Malta: Project Assistant, Leonardo da Vinci Programme.
• March – September 2010, Ecopatrimonio Projects, Spain: Environmental Consultant Intern.

• British Society of Soil Science, Student Travel Grant (£500) to attend World Congress of Soil Science 2018.
• Glasgow City Council Graduate of the Year 2015