Overview

In 2022, I started my ESRC funded PhD in Sustainable Futures at the University of Exeter. The research is titled ‘A Sea of Relationships: Investigating Relational Wellbeing in a Growing Blue Economy’.

I am interested in how marine governance in the growing blue economy shapes how different stakeholders (unevely) access marine resources, decision-making and related wellbeing and the implications of this for 'blue justice'. Specifically, my research will focus on relational wellbeing – the significance of people’s multi-scalar relationships with other people at local levels, up to governing bodies and with the environment. My research examines these relationships in the context of coastal social-ecological systems in the South West, which are on the frontline of rapid environmental change.

I completed my BA Geography degree at the University of Exeter from 2018-21, developing a strong interest in environmental and social sustainability and achieving a First class honours degree. In my final year, I received MRes and PhD (1+3) funding through the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership.

I studied for my MRes in Sustainable Futures from 2021-22, achieving a Distinction. My dissertation focused on how wellbeing was mobilised and perceived across different levels of marine environmental governance in the UK. This involved thematic analysis of national marine policy documents alongside interviews with policymakers and environmental managers.

Supervisors: Professor Louisa Evans, Associate Professor Catherine Butler, Dr Hannah Parrott

Qualifications

BA Geography (Dean's Commendation) – University of Exeter (2021)

MRes Sustainable Futures – University of Exeter (2022)

Research group links

• Environment and Sustainability

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Research

Research interests

Blue justice and the blue economy

Coastal social-ecological systems

Environmental Geography

Environmental governance

Human wellbeing

Resource access

Research projects

'Living Sea, Sea Living' banner (March-June 2024) - I am working on a grant with Dr Lizzie Hobson, focused on using creative methods to showcase the stories of women working in and around the fishing industry in Brixham. This includes using 'body mapping' with a local craft group to explore new ways of understanding the experiences of coastal communities in the context of the blue economy.

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