Hailey Ashton
- Email: jlgn3073@leeds.ac.uk
- Thesis title: Unravelling the mechanisms involved in the biodegradation of cellulose films
- Supervisors: Dr. Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso, Dr Henry Greathead, Dr Andrea Harper
Profile
I am working with Dr Henry Greathead, Professor Yoselin Benitez Alfonso, and Dr Andrea Harper (York) to research the biodegradation of modified cellulose films in soil and ruminant digestive systems to improve understanding of their end-of-life impact.
Prior to commencing my PhD at the University of Leeds, I completed my BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences (2020-2023) and MSc in Environmental Management (2023-2024) at Lancaster University. Both of my degree research projects were focussed on biogeochemistry. My BSc project looked at the bioavailability of plutonium in salt marsh sediments and my MSc project was in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences to investigate the short-term impacts of forest clear-cutting on stream phosphorus concentrations in a drained boreal wetland.
Research interests
I am particularly interested in biogeochemistry and using interdisciplinary scientific research to find solutions to global sustainability issues.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences
- MSc Environmental Management