Student spotlight: Charlotte Woodhouse

Did you know that rubber particles broken off from the wear and tear of vehicle tyres are a major source of marine plastic pollution? How does this affect marine ecosystems? Meet Charlotte Woodhouse : a PhD researcher with PML and the University of Exeter studying the biological effects of tyre particles in marine invertebrates. For our latest student spotlight, Charlotte has taken some time to share with us her crucial work on the under-researched threat of tyre pollution to marine life.?

Our first question for Charlotte was to ask if she could recall any experience or inspiration that encouraged her down the path of environmental research, or more specifically, marine biology.?

“Growing up in Yorkshire, our closest coast was roughly an hour and 30 minutes away. So, when we took trips to the coast, I treasured them and knew from a young age I wanted to work with the ocean in some capacity. I wasn’t aware that marine biology was a career option until I was in secondary school, when my science teacher shared that he had completed a degree in marine biology. From then on, I began working towards pursuing that career path, starting by choosing biology for my A-levels.”?

“I was really inspired by my secondary school science teacher, and then, after starting my A-levels, I discovered my biology teacher had also trained in marine biology and had been a marine biologist earlier in her career. She was a huge support in my applications to pursue marine biology at university.”?

“I am the first member of my family to attend university, so the support I had from my family and teachers really helped me get where I wanted to be.”?

We next asked Charlotte if she could tell us about why she chose to pursue her PhD with PML and the University of Exeter.??

“I was doing my Master’s degree (MRes Marine Biology) at the University of Plymouth, investigating the effects of tyre particles on meiofaunal [small?benthic?invertebrates?that live in?marine?or?freshwater environments] community structure. During my short time in Plymouth, I fell in love with the city and having the sea on my doorstep.”?

“I decided to start looking for PhDs to continue my career in research, but I knew I wanted to keep my research focused on plastics. Plastics had been an interest since my undergraduate degree – where I ran a campaign to reduce single use plastic in Liverpool. Whilst looking for plastic related PhDs, I came across the tyre PhD with PML and University of Exeter. The project really excited me, and I knew it was the one I wanted. It was the only PhD I applied for because my heart was set on it.”?

And she succeeded! Charlotte is a GW4+ NERC DTP-funded PhD student, in her third-year of study, supervised by a team of plastics experts: Dr Matthew Cole (PML), Professor Penelope Lindeque (PML) and Professor Tamara Galloway (UoE). ?

There are some well-known sources of plastic pollution on the marine environment, but Charlotte’s PhD investigates a lesser known (but a major) source of microplastics; tiny rubber particles emitted from the wear and tear of vehicle tyres, which find their way into waterways. We next asked Charlotte if she could tell us about some of the research she is doing to inform this area of study.?

“As tyre particles are still relatively under researched, there is very little knowledge on the effects these particles have on estuarine organisms. This is where my research focuses. I am interested in how tyre particles affect these organisms, and what this means for the environment. My current research has been looking at the uptake pathways of tyre particles in estuarine invertebrates. I have been carrying out laboratory experiments to understand this process for estuarine organisms.”?

“A day in the life can vary quite a lot! At the moment, I’m planning for my next experiment to start within the next few weeks which can be quite intense, but I’m looking forward to starting it,?as it’s some exciting work.”?

We’re looking forward to hearing more and sharing updates! We next asked Charlotte if she could tell us what she’s enjoying most about her PhD experience so far.?

“I am enjoying the opportunities that a PhD offers. During my PhD at PML, I have been able to travel to some amazing places for workshops and conferences. I have also been very fortunate to be able to pursue work that really excites me and try new ideas that have evolved during my PhD with the support of my supervisors. I am really loving being able to do novel research that?has the potential to?provide evidence to help inform policy in the fight against plastic pollution.”?

In fact, Charlotte recently presented at Micro2024, the 5th Edition of the International Conference series focusing on plastic pollution from macro to nano scales. The conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and experts from around the world to share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop solutions to address the growing issue of plastic pollution in our environment. ?

We asked Charlotte if she could tell us more about what she shared in her?presentation.?

“I gave a presentation on ‘The ecotoxicological effects of tyre particles on mortality and behaviour in the estuarine amphipod, Corophium volutator’. Here I shared the findings from my first chapter – with the paper in review currently – and teased some new results from my second chapter.”?

“A highlight from the conference was being able to meet many microplastic researchers whose work I have read over the years and engage in conversations. Additionally, I met other early career researchers (ECRs) and strengthened connections from previous workshops and conferences I had attended.”?

“This slide for my MICRO2024 presentation demonstrates how tyre particles are produced and how they can get into estuarine environments.”?

“What happens is, tyre particles are produced by the abrasion between the road and the tyres. These particles can then be transported by rainwater into storm water systems, and are then released into the aquatic environment and can be carried in turbulent waters.”?

“Once they reach areas with widening river basins, the hydrodynamic flow of the water reduces and therefore tyre particles can settle out due to their high densities. This is where my research comes in as I want to understand how these particles that are settling in estuaries affect the organisms in this environment.”?

We then asked Charlotte if she could tell us more about her professional aspirations, and where she hoped to see her career progressing in the future.?

“I would love to continue my career in research and do science that makes a difference. An institute, such as PML, is somewhere I would like to continue to work. I have had a great experience where I have been supported by peers and senior staff. I have also been given opportunities to help create change and be part of committees to see the internal running of the organisation (Health and Safety Committee).”?

“There is a push in interdisciplinary science to help understand the ocean and challenges and I think that is something important when considering future work and career prospects. I would like to see my future role having a combination of science, accessibility, relevance and outreach for the wider community.”?

PhD aside, we wanted to get to know more about Charlotte away from work, and we next asked her if she could tell us about any hobbies or interests.?

“In my spare time, I love to be out in nature, whether that be hiking for a few hours or a trip to the beach. When the Plymouth weather is a bit too wild for an outdoor activity, I enjoy cosying up with a good thriller book or trying my hand at a craft. I have just started learning to crochet marine animals, my first project was a penguin. I have recently started yoga to practice mindfulness and have a good stretch after a day in the lab.”?

We then asked Charlotte if she could tell us more about her professional aspirations, and where she hoped to see her career progressing in the future.?

“I would love to continue my career in research and do science that makes a difference. An institute, such as PML, is somewhere I would like to continue to work. I have had a great experience where I have been supported by peers and senior staff. I have also been given opportunities to help create change and be part of committees to see the internal running of the organisation (Health and Safety Committee).”?

“There is a push in interdisciplinary science to help understand the ocean and challenges and I think that is something important when considering future work and career prospects. I would like to see my future role having a combination of science, accessibility, relevance and outreach for the wider community.”?

PhD aside, we wanted to get to know more about Charlotte away from work, and we next asked her if she could tell us about any hobbies or interests.?

“In my spare time, I love to be out in nature, whether that be hiking for a few hours or a trip to the beach. When the Plymouth weather is a bit too wild for an outdoor activity, I enjoy cosying up with a good thriller book or trying my hand at a craft. I have just started learning to crochet marine animals, my first project was a penguin. I have recently started yoga to practice mindfulness and have a good stretch after a day in the lab.”?

Our last question for Charlotte was to ask what she enjoys about living and working in Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City.?

“I’m originally from West Yorkshire, so being down in Plymouth is a good few hours from home (6 hours!). Living in Plymouth has been fulfilling as it has allowed me to improve my own ocean literacy as living by the ocean offers so many benefits. If I’m having a stressful day, I find it so beneficial for my mental health to only have a 2-minute walk from PML to have fresh ocean air and views (and if it’s not too cold, have a refreshing dip in the sea).”?

Related information

Charlotte Woodhouse?

Charlotte is a GW4+ NERC DTP-funded PhD student, in her third-year of study, supervised by Dr Matthew Cole (PML), Professor Penelope Lindeque (PML) and Professor Tamara Galloway (UoE).?