PhD Researcher
Biological and Environmental Sciences 4B141 Cottrell Biological and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA
I started my part-time lectureship in Environmental Pollution at the University of Stirling in June 2022, where I specialise in Environmental Pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Alongside my lectureship position I am completing the final stages of a NERC IAPETUS funded PhD investigating the occurrence and impacts of microplastic contamination on threatened lamprey populations in Scotland.
Prior to moving to Stirling, I completed a Masters by Research developing techniques to assess the effect of microplastic leachates on marine larvae development at the University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus. I have a keen focus on the sustainable management and monitoring of ecosystems through citizen science and stakeholder engagement.
I have a specific interest in the effects of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic ecosystems, in particular quantifying the effects of microplastic contamination on organisms. I strongly believe that scientists must collaborate and merge environmental outreach and education with their research in order to make positive change regarding environmental issues. Experience to date demonstrates a commitment to scientific research, alongside teaching and learning in higher education.
http://ukmicroplasticsnetwork.co.uk/stakeholders/academia/
Education 2017 BSc (Hons) Zoology First Class Honours University of Exeter 2019 MSc by Research University of Exeter
Highly commended in the Outstanding Early Career Researcher category
University of Stirling
Flora Rendell-Bhatti is highly commended in the Outstanding Early Career Researcher category at the University of Stirling’s Research Culture Awards 2022
I have a specific interest in the effects of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic ecosystems, in particular quantifying the effects of microplastic contamination on organisms.
Current research investigates microplastic contamination presence and ecotoxicological impacts on lamprey larvae across Scotland, Strong collaboration with ecotoxicology research team at Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford (UK).
Previous background research in developmental toxicity of microplastic leachates to sea urchin larvae.
Article
From the environment into the biomass: microplastic uptake in a protected lamprey species
Rendell-Bhatti F, Bull C, Cross R, Cox R, Adediran GA & Lahive E (2023) From the environment into the biomass: microplastic uptake in a protected lamprey species. Environmental Pollution, 323, Art. No.: 121267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121267
Article
Developmental toxicity of plastic leachates on the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Rendell-Bhatti F, Paganos P, Pouch A, Mitchell C, D’Aniello S, Godley BJ, Pazdro K, Arnone MI & Jimenez-Guri E (2021) Developmental toxicity of plastic leachates on the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Environmental Pollution, 269, Art. No.: 115744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115744
Environmental Policy and Management (ENVU5EP) Environmental Policy (ENMPG04) Global Environmental Issues (GEOU2GE) Sustainable Development (GEOU6GI) Environmental Hazards (GEOU6EH)
Advance Higher Education Associate Fellow
