Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Dr Ceri Lewis

Dr Ceri Lewis

Associate Professor in Marine Biology

 C.N.Lewis@exeter.ac.uk

 3782

 Geoffrey Pope 221

 

Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter , Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK

Overview

My research interests lie in understanding how marine invertebrates adapt and survive in a changing and increasingly polluted marine environment, and the potential impacts of environmental change on their physiology and reproduction. My current research focuses on 2 main areas; 1) biological impacts of microplastics on marine invertebrates 2) the interactions between chronic pollution and ocean acidification on fitness and function in adult and larval marine invertebrates. In 2010 and 2011 I was part of the Catlin Arctic Survey expedition to study ocean acidification in the high Arctic. I have also led research expeditions to determine the extent of marine microplastic pollution in a number of remote locations including the Galapagos and the Azores.

In addition to my research I’m very active in public and educational outreach, teaming up with an educational charity to get my research findings fed into UK and international schools. I was short-listed for a 2014 WISE award for this outreach work which has reached >3.5 million children worldwide. I regularly contribute to policy consultations, was a witness at the 2017 Commons Select Committee enquiry on ocean acidification and regulalrly advise the BBC on marine or plastics focussed porgrammes.

Qualifications

PhD Marine Biology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. 1998-2002
NERC studentship (DEMA thematic programme) GST/02/2164
BSC. Marine Biology 2.1 (Hons).  University of Wales, Swansea. 1995-1998

Career

2012-present Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology
2009-2012 NERC Research Fellow, University of Exeter
2009 Research Fellow, Peninsula Medical School and University of Exeter
2007- 2008 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Exeter
2005-2007 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Plymouth
2002- 2004 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, International Ocean Institute-SA, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

Links

Research group links

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Research

Research interests

My over-riding research interests lie in understanding how marine invertebrates adapt and survive in a changing and increasingly polluted marine environment, and the potential impacts of environmental change on their reproduction, larval ecology and life history evolution. My current research focuses on 2 main areas; 1) the interactions between chronic pollution and ocean acidification on fitness parameters in adult and larval marine invertebrates; 2) the potential for environmental disruption of sperm function in broadcast spawning invertebrates and its ecological consequences. I am also a key member of an international team of biologists and oceanographers conducting ocean acidification research in the Canadian High Arctic as part of the Catlin Arctic Survey, joining their expeditions in 2010 and 2011.

Research projects

NERC UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme
I am part of a consortium involving researchers from Exeter, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, Swansea University and Strathclyde University working towards on ocean acidification effects on commercially important species for the UK-OARP.  This project aims to improve our understanding of the potential population, community and ecosystem impacts of ocean acidification for all life stages for commercially important species and their capacity to resist and adapt.

For more information see: www.oceanacidification.org.uk.

EU CLEANSEA: Towards a Clean, Litter -Free European Marine Environment through Scientific Evidence, Innovative Tools and Good Governance.

Previous research

NERC Fellowship: Broadcast spawning into a changing marine environment: are sperm the weak link in a marine invertebrate’s life cycle?
My current research focuses on the susceptibility of marine invertebrate sperm to environmental disruption. Sperm are generally thought to lack anti-oxidant defence and DNA repair enzymes which potentially makes them highly susceptibility to environmental damage. My work aims to determine the impacts of ocean acidification and increasing pollution on sperm functioning and fertilization processes and to determine the consequences of any loss of function on fertilization dynamics and subsequent offspring fitness in free spawning marine invertebrates.

Catlin Arctic Survey
I am a key member of an international team of biologists, oceanographers and climate scientists conducting climate change research in the Canadian High Arctic as part of the Catlin Arctic Survey. My role in these expeditions is to study the composition of the zooplankton under the ice, relating this to the carbon chemistry and nutrients in the Arctic seawater during the winter-spring transition period, and to conduct ocean acidification experiments to determine how vulnerable these zooplankton species are to the IPCC predicted changes in this ocean chemistry.

For more information see: www.catlinarcticsurvey.com.

Research Grants:

  • NERC Ocean Acidification Directed Consortium Grant: ‘Improved understanding of population, community and ecosystem impacts of ocean acidification for commercially important species’.
  • Royal Society Small Research Grant, ‘Environmental Disruption of Sperm Function in Marine Invertebrates and the Potential for Pre-adaptation to High CO2’.
  • Exeter University Internal Funding through a Research and Knowledge Transfer Link Fund for participation in the Catlin Arctic Survey 2010.
  • NERC Independent Postdoctoral Fellowship. ‘Broadcast spawning into a changing marine environment: are sperm the weak link in a marine invertebrate’s life cycle?’
  • Marine and Coastal Management Department (South African Government) Frontier Programme and industry funding for a two year project run through the International Ocean Institute-SA ‘Sustainable aquaculture in Southern Africa’ 2006-2008.

Research networks

  • Dr Helen Findlay, Plymouth Marine Laboratories
  • Dr Gary Caldwell, Newcastle University
  • Dr Gordon Watson, Portsmouth University
  • Dr Alex Ford, Portsmouth University

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Publications

Journal articles

Honorato-Zimmer D, Escobar-Sánchez G, Deakin K, De Veer D, Galloway T, Guevara-Torrejón V, Howard J, Jones J, Lewis C, Ribeiro F, et al (2024). Macrolitter and microplastics along the East Pacific coasts - a homemade problem needing local solutions. Mar Pollut Bull, 203 Abstract.  Author URL.
Deakin K, Savage G, Jones JS, Porter A, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Santillo D, Lewis C (2024). Sea surface microplastics in the Galapagos: Grab samples reveal high concentrations of particles <200 μm in size. Science of the Total Environment, 923, 171428-171428.
Porter A, Godbold JA, Lewis CN, Savage G, Solan M, Galloway TS (2023). Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces. Nat Commun, 14(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Alava JJ, McMullen K, Jones J, Barragán-Paladines MJ, Hobbs C, Tirapé A, Calle P, Alarcón D, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Muñoz-Abril L, et al (2023). Multiple anthropogenic stressors in the Galápagos Islands' complex social-ecological system: Interactions of marine pollution, fishing pressure, and climate change with management recommendations. Integr Environ Assess Manag, 19(4), 870-895. Abstract.  Author URL.
Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Lewis C, Hacker C, Peck VL, Thorpe S, Blackbird S, Wolff GA, Manno C, et al (2023). Scoping intergenerational effects of nanoplastic on the lipid reserves of Antarctic krill embryos. Aquat Toxicol, 261 Abstract.  Author URL.
Porter A, Barber D, Hobbs C, Love J, Power AL, Bakir A, Galloway TS, Lewis C (2023). Uptake of microplastics by marine worms depends on feeding mode and particle shape but not exposure time. Sci Total Environ, 857(Pt 1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Jones JS, Guézou A, Medor S, Nickson C, Savage G, Alarcón-Ruales D, Galloway TS, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Nelms SE, Porter A, et al (2022). Microplastic distribution and composition on two Galápagos island beaches, Ecuador: Verifying the use of citizen science derived data in long-term monitoring. Environmental Pollution, 311, 120011-120011.
Bowley J, Baker-Austin C, Michell S, Lewis C (2022). Pathogens transported by plastic debris: does this vector pose a risk to aquatic organisms?. Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, 6(4), 349-358. Abstract.
Colvin KA, Parkerton TF, Redman AD, Lewis C, Galloway TS (2021). Miniaturised marine tests as indicators of aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity: Potential applicability to oil spill assessment. Mar Pollut Bull, 165 Abstract.  Author URL.
Bowley J, Baker-Austin C, Porter A, Hartnell R, Lewis C (2021). Oceanic Hitchhikers – Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic. Trends in Microbiology, 29(2), 107-116.
Nascimento-Schulze JC, Bean TP, Houston RD, Santos EM, Sanders MB, Lewis C, Ellis RP (2021). Optimizing hatchery practices for genetic improvement of marine bivalves. Reviews in Aquaculture, 13(4), 2289-2304. Abstract.
Jones JS, Porter A, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Alarcón-Ruales D, Galloway TS, Godley BJ, Santillo D, Vagg J, Lewis C (2021). Plastic contamination of a Galapagos Island (Ecuador) and the relative risks to native marine species. Science of the Total Environment, 789 Abstract.
Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Lewis C, Peck V, Thorpe S, Manno C (2021). The Effects of Combined Ocean Acidification and Nanoplastic Exposures on the Embryonic Development of Antarctic Krill. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE, 8  Author URL.
Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Lewis C, Peck V, Thorpe S, Manno C (2021). The impact of nanoplastic on embryonic development of Antarctic krill in current and future acidified conditions of the Southern Ocean.
Lindeque PK, Cole M, Coppock RL, Lewis CN, Miller RZ, Watts AJR, Wilson-McNeal A, Wright SL, Galloway TS (2020). Are we underestimating microplastic abundance in the marine environment? a comparison of microplastic capture with nets of different mesh-size. Environmental Pollution, 265 Abstract.
Colvin KA, Lewis C, Galloway TS (2020). Current issues confounding the rapid toxicological assessment of oil spills. Chemosphere, 245 Abstract.  Author URL.
Wilson-McNeal A, Hird C, Hobbs C, Nielson C, Smith KE, Wilson RW, Lewis C (2020). Fluctuating seawater pCO2/pH induces opposing interactions with copper toxicity for two intertidal invertebrates. Sci Total Environ, 748 Abstract.  Author URL.
Pereira JM, Rodríguez Y, Blasco-Monleon S, Porter A, Lewis C, Pham CK (2020). Microplastic in the stomachs of open-ocean and deep-sea fishes of the North-East Atlantic. Environmental Pollution, 265 Abstract.
Jones J, Porter A, Muñoz-Pérez J, Alarcón-Ruales D, Galloway T, Godley B, Santillo D, Vagg J, Lewis C (2020). Plastic contamination of the Galapagos marine food web and the relative risks to native species. Abstract.
Cornwell LE, Fileman ES, Bruun JT, Hirst AG, Tarran GA, Findlay HS, Lewis C, Smyth TJ, McEvoy AJ, Atkinson A, et al (2020). Resilience of the Copepod Oithona similis to Climatic Variability: Egg Production, Mortality, and Vertical Habitat Partitioning. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7
Mangan S, Wilson R, Findlay H, Lewis CN (2019). Acid–base physiology over tidal periods in the mussel Mytilus edulis: size and temperature are more influential than seawater pH. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 286
Nielson C, Hird C, Lewis C (2019). Ocean acidification buffers the physiological responses of the king ragworm Alitta virens to the common pollutant copper. Aquatic Toxicology, 212, 120-127. Abstract.
Scott N, Porter A, Santillo D, Simpson H, Lloyd-Williams S, Lewis C (2019). Particle characteristics of microplastics contaminating the mussel Mytilus edulis and their surrounding environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 146, 125-133. Abstract.
Smith KE, Byrne M, Deaker D, Hird CM, Nielson C, Wilson-McNeal A, Lewis C (2019). Sea urchin reproductive performance in a changing ocean: poor males improve while good males worsen in response to ocean acidification. Proc Biol Sci, 286(1907). Abstract.  Author URL.
Porter A, Smith KE, Lewis C (2019). The sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as a bioeroder of plastic. Science of the Total Environment, 693, 133621-133621.
Porter A, Lyons BP, Galloway TS, Lewis C (2018). Role of Marine Snows in Microplastic Fate and Bioavailability. Environ Sci Technol, 52(12), 7111-7119. Abstract.  Author URL.
Cornwell LE, Findlay HS, Fileman ES, Smyth TJ, Hirst AG, Bruun JT, McEvoy AJ, Widdicombe CE, Castellani C, Lewis C, et al (2018). Seasonality of Oithona similis and Calanus helgolandicus reproduction and abundance: Contrasting responses to environmental variation at a shelf site. Journal of Plankton Research, 40(3), 295-310. Abstract.
Mangan S, Urbina MA, Findlay HS, Wilson RW, Lewis C (2017). Fluctuating seawater pH/pCO2 regimes are more energetically expensive than static pH/pCO2 levels in the mussel Mytilus edulis. Proc Biol Sci, 284(1865). Abstract.  Author URL.
Uren Webster TM, Williams TD, Katsiadaki I, Lange A, Lewis C, Shears JA, Tyler CR, Santos EM (2017). Hepatic transcriptional responses to copper in the three-spined stickleback are affected by their pollution exposure history. Aquat Toxicol, 184, 26-36. Abstract.  Author URL.
Campbell AL, Ellis RP, Urbina MA, Mourabit S, Galloway TS, Lewis C (2017). Impacts of ocean acidification on sperm develop with exposure time for a polychaete with long lived sperm. Mar Environ Res, 129, 268-276. Abstract.  Author URL.
Galloway TS, Cole M, lewis C (2017). Interactions of microplastics throughout the marine ecosystem. Nature Ecology and Evolution, 1
Galloway T, Lewis C (2017). Marine microplastics. Curr Biol, 27(11), R445-R446. Abstract.  Author URL.
Watts AJR, Porter A, Hembrow N, Sharpe J, Galloway TS, Lewis C (2017). Through the sands of time: Beach litter trends from nine cleaned north cornish beaches. Environ Pollut, 228, 416-424. Abstract.  Author URL.
Watts AW, Mauricio A. Urbina MU, Goodhead RG, Moger JJ, Lewis CL, Galloway TG (2016). Effect of microplastic on the gills of the Shore Crab Carcinus maenas. Environmental Science and Technology (Washington) Abstract.
Hird CM, Urbina MA, Lewis CN, Snape JR, Galloway TS (2016). Fluoxetine Exhibits Pharmacological Effects and Trait-Based Sensitivity in a Marine Worm. Environ Sci Technol, 50(15), 8344-8352. Abstract.  Author URL.
Clark JR, Cole M, Lindeque PK, Fileman E, Blackford J, Lewis C, Lenton TM, Galloway TS (2016). Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14, 317-324.
Galloway TS, Lewis CN (2016). Marine microplastics spell big problems for future generations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 113(9), 2331-2333.  Author URL.
Cole M, Lindeque PK, Fileman E, Clark J, Lewis C, Halsband C, Galloway TS (2016). Microplastics Alter the Properties and Sinking Rates of Zooplankton Faecal Pellets. Environ Sci Technol, 50(6), 3239-3246. Abstract.  Author URL.
Campbell AL, Levitan DR, Hosken DJ, Lewis C (2016). Ocean acidification changes the male fitness landscape. Sci Rep, 6 Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Ellis RP, Vernon E, Elliot K, Newbatt S, Wilson RW (2016). Ocean acidification increases copper toxicity differentially in two key marine invertebrates with distinct acid-base responses. Scientific Reports, 6 Abstract.
Watts AJR, Urbina MA, Corr S, Lewis C, Galloway TS (2015). Ingestion of Plastic Microfibers by the Crab Carcinus maenas and its Effect on Food Consumption and Energy Balance. Environ Sci Technol, 49(24), 14597-14604. Abstract.  Author URL.
Findlay HS, Edwards LA, Lewis CN, Cooper GA, Clement R, Hardman-Mountford N, Vagle S, Miller LA (2015). Late winter biogeochemical conditions under sea ice in the Canadian High Arctic. POLAR RESEARCH, 34  Author URL.
Pope EC, Ellis RP, Scolamacchia M, Scolding JWS, Keay A, Chingombe P, Shields RJ, Wilcox R, Speirs DC, Wilson RW, et al (2014). European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, in a changing ocean. Biogeosciences, 11(9), 2519-2530. Abstract.
Campbell AL, Mangan S, Ellis RP, Lewis C (2014). Ocean acidification increases copper toxicity to the early life history stages of the polychaete Arenicola marina in artificial seawater. Environ Sci Technol, 48(16), 9745-9753. Abstract.  Author URL.
Watts AJR, Lewis C, Goodhead RM, Beckett SJ, Moger J, Tyler CR, Galloway TS (2014). Uptake and retention of microplastics by the shore crab Carcinus maenas. Environ Sci Technol, 48(15), 8823-8830. Abstract.  Author URL.
Pope EC, Ellis RP, Scolamacchia M, Scolding JWS, Keay A, Chingombe P, Shields RJ, Wilcox R, Speirs DC, Wilson RW, et al (2013). Is the perceived resiliency of fish larvae to ocean acidification masking more subtle effects?. Abstract.
Lewis C, Clemow K, Holt WV (2013). Metal contamination increases the sensitivity of larvae but not gametes to ocean acidification in the polychaete <i>Pomatoceros lamarckii</i> (Quatrefages). MARINE BIOLOGY, 160(8), 2089-2101.  Author URL.
Lewis CN, Brown KA, Edwards LA, Cooper G, Findlay HS (2013). Sensitivity to ocean acidification parallels natural pCO<inf>2</inf> gradients experienced by Arctic copepods under winter sea ice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(51). Abstract.
Lewis C, Watson GJ (2012). Expanding the ecotoxicological toolbox: the inclusion of polychaete reproductive endpoints. Mar Environ Res, 75, 10-22. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Ford AT (2012). Infertility in male aquatic invertebrates: a review. Aquat Toxicol, 120-121, 79-89. Abstract.  Author URL.
Roberts DA, Birchenough SNR, Lewis C, Sanders MB, Bolam T, Sheahan D (2012). Ocean acidification increases the toxicity of contaminated sediments. Global Change Biology
Caldwell GS, Lewis C, Pickavance G, Taylor RL, Bentley MG (2011). Exposure to copper and a cytotoxic polyunsaturated aldehyde induces reproductive failure in the marine polychaete Nereis virens (Sars). Aquat Toxicol, 104(1-2), 126-134. Abstract.  Author URL.
Melzer D, Rice NE, Lewis C, Henley WE, Galloway TS (2010). Association of urinary bisphenol a concentration with heart disease: evidence from NHANES 2003/06. PLoS One, 5(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Guitart C, Pook C, Scarlett A, Readman J, Galloway T (2010). INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF OIL POLLUTION USING BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND CHEMICAL FINGERPRINTING. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 29(6), 1358-1366.
Uren-Webster TM, Lewis C, Filby AL, Paull GC, Santos EM (2010). Mechanisms of toxicity of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the reproductive health of male zebrafish. Aquat Toxicol, 99(3), 360-369. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Galloway T (2010). Sperm toxicity and the reproductive ecology of marine invertebrates. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 6(1), 188-190.
Galloway T, Lewis C, Dolciotti I, Johnston BD, Moger J, Regoli F (2010). Sublethal toxicity of nano-titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes in a sediment dwelling marine polychaete. Environ Pollut, 158(5), 1748-1755. Abstract.  Author URL.
Morales-Caselles C, Lewis C, Riba I, Delvalls TA, Galloway T (2009). A multibiomarker approach using the polychaete Arenicola marina to assess oil-contaminated sediments. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 16(6), 618-629. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Beggah S, Pook C, Guitart C, Redshaw C, Van der Meer JR, Readman JW, Galloway T (2009). Novel Use of a Whole Cell <i>E-coli</i> Bioreporter as a Urinary Exposure Biomarker. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 43(2), 423-428.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Galloway TS (2009). Reproductive consequences of paternal genotoxin exposure in marine invertebrates. Environmental Science and Technology, 43(3), 928-933. Abstract.
Pook C, Lewis C, Galloway T (2009). The metabolic and fitness costs associated with metal resistance in Nereis diversicolor. Mar Pollut Bull, 58(7), 1063-1071. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Karageorgopoulos P (2008). A new species of Marphysa (Eunicidae) from the western Cape of South Africa. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 88(2), 277-287. Abstract.
Lewis C, Galloway, T.S. (2008). Genotoxic damage. in polychaetes: a study of species and cell-type sensitivities. Mutation Research-Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, 654, 69-75.
Lewis C, Pook C, Galloway T (2008). Reproductive toxicity of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of crude oil in the polychaetes Arenicola marina (L.) and Nereis virens (Sars). Aquat Toxicol, 90(1), 73-81. Abstract.  Author URL.
Caldwell GS, Lewis C, Olive PJW, Bentley MG (2005). Exposure to 2,4-decadienal negatively impacts upon marine invertebrate larval fitness. Mar Environ Res, 59(5), 405-417. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lewis C, Caldwell GS, Bentley MG, Olive PJW (2004). Effects of a bioactive diatom-derived aldehyde on developmental stability in Nereis virens (Sars) larvae: an analysis using fluctuating asymmetry. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 304(1), 1-16. Abstract.
Lewis C, Olive PJW, Bentley MG (2003). Pre-emptive competition as a selective pressure for early reproduction in the polychaete Nereis virens. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 254, 199-211. Abstract.

Chapters

Lewis C (2023). Plastic and the Ocean. In  (Ed) The Ocean and Us, Springer Nature, 113-121.
McNeal AW, Cole M, Galloway TS, Lewis C, Watts A, Wright S, Miller RZ, Lindeque P (2017). Are Smaller Microplastics Underestimated? Comparing Anthropogenic Debris Collected with Different Mesh Sizes. In  (Ed) Fate and Impact of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems, Elsevier.
Watts A, Urbina M, Lewis C, Galloway T (2017). Primary (Ingestion) and Secondary (Inhalation) Uptake of Microplastic in the Crab Carcinus maenas, and its Biological Effects. In  (Ed) Fate and Impact of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems, Elsevier.
Galloway. T, Lewis C, Hagger J (2010). Assessment of Genotoxicity Following Exposure to Hydrocarbons: the Micronucleus Assay. In  (Ed) Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology, Springer Nature, 4473-4480.
Olive PJW, Lewis CN, Last K, Beardall V, Bentley MG (2001). Fitness consequences of seasonal reproduction: Experiments on the polychaete Nereis virens. In Atkinson D, Thorndyke M (Eds.) Environment and animal development: genes, life histories and plasticity, Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers Ltd.

Conferences

Lewis C, Caldwell G, Galloway T (2010). Impacts of Environmental Contamination on the Reproductive Ecology of Marine Invertebrates. Meeting of the Division of Chemical Toxicology of the American-Chemical-Society. 16th - 20th Aug 2009.
Pook C, Lewis C, Galloway T (2008). The metabolic and fitness costs of resistance to copper and zinc toxicity in <i>Nereis diversicolor</i>.  Author URL.
Lewis C (2005). Aspects of the reproductive biology of the south african polychaete, arenicola loveni loveni (kinberg 1866). Abstract.
Lewis C (2005). Fertilization, post-fertilization development and larval biology of the south african polychaete, arenicola loveni loveni (kinberg 1866). Abstract.
Lewis C, Olive PJ, Bentley MG, Watson G (2002). Does seasonal reproduction occur at the optimal time for fertilization in the polychaetes Arenicola marina L. and Nereis virens Sars?. Abstract.
Olive PJW, Lewis C, Beardall V (2000). Fitness components of seasonal reproduction: an analysis using Nereis virens as a life history model. Abstract.

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards/Honorary fellowships

I have teamed up with the educational charity Digital Explorer www.digitalexplorer.com to produce a multi-media schools’ educational resource package 'Frozen Oceans', based on my research in the Arctic with the Catlin Arctic Survey. The resulting free educational resources are currently being used in over 13% of UK secondary schools and 1000 schools internationally.

These educational resources were a finalist for the national Education Resource Awards 2012 in the Best Secondary Resource with ICT category. My work with Digital explorer is currently being used by RCUK as a case study to best practise in pathways to impact. I also regularly give talks to the general public about this research e.g. at the Royal Geographical Society and on the summer festival circuit.


Committee/panel activities

Vice-President of the International Society of Invertebrate Reproduction and Development

Oceans Panel Chair, Royal Geographical Society’s Explore Conference, RGS London 2010, 2011 & 2012.


Invited lectures

Invited seminar; Manchester Organismal Biology Symposium, Manchester University, 10th May 2013. ‘Will ocean acidification increase the toxicity of metals to marine organisms?’

Invited seminar, Newcastle University 29th November 2012. ‘Life through an Ice hole, studying ocean acidification processes in the high Arctic’.

Invited seminar; Sven Loven Marine Institute, Sweden 16th April 2011. ‘Life through an Ice hole, studying ocean acidification processes in the high Arctic’.

Invited seminar; Sven Loven Marine Institute, Sweden, 12th December 2010. ‘Broadcast Spawning into a Changing Marine Environment’.

Invited Seminar, Portsmouth University, July 2011. ‘Sex, worms and biomarkers’.

Invited seminar, RCUK Pathways to Impact event, Swindon, 28th May 2012. ‘Oceans education outreach’.

Invited seminar, Pathways to Impact event, Southampton, 12th June, 2012. ‘Oceans education outreach’.

Invited speaker at National co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement’s’ Engage Conference in Bristol 6th December 2012

Guest speaker at the Catlin Summer Science School, St Paul’s Way Trust School, London. 20th July 2012.


Media Coverage

My Catlin Arctic Survey work was widely covered by the international media including: a 10 minute news piece for the Channel 4 evening news (shown on election day); a CNN documentary; BBC World; BBC Spotlight news; Al Jazerra News International (shown in 50 countries) and Discovery Channel Canada; Canadian local radio, Exeter Express and Echo.


Workshops/Conferences organised

Conference and session organiser for the International Congress on Invertebrate Reproduction and Development, Prague. August 2010.

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Teaching

Undergraduate

  • BIO2074 – Marine Biology
  • BIO3083 – Current Issues in Marine Bioloogy

Modules

2024/25


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Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

Alumni

  • Dr Chris Pook (2006-2010): The bioenergetic cost of metal resistance and its consequences for reproduction in the harbour ragworm, Nereis diversicolor.

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