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Dr Sariqa Wagley
NERC Independent Research Fellow
I am an experienced microbiologist with a strong passion for investigating the molecular basis of infection caused by bacterial pathogens. My current research focuses on pathogenic Vibrio species, how they survive in the environment, and how they cause disease in humans. I am interested in understanding what governs how bacterial species wake up and grow in the natural environment after a period of long-term dormancy. This work includes collaborations with Cefas (Dr Craig Baker-Austin, Andy Powell and Dr Nicola Coyle) and partners in industry and academia.
Email: s.wagley@exeter.ac.uk
Angelica Aguirre Sanchez
PhD Student, supervised by Professor Ceri Lewis, Professor Helen Findlay, Dr Esmaeil Khedmati Morasae, Dr Adil Bakir, Professor Tamara Galloway
My research explores the ecological and socioeconomic effects of next generation biopolymers in marine systems. When these materials fully break down, they release water, carbon dioxide and methane as final products which can potentially alter the seawater parameters, producing similar effects to ocean acidification. This work includes collaboration with CEFAS (Dr. Adil Bakir) by examining their effects in the pacific oyster larvae and investigating their socioeconomic approach with partners in the academia. More broadly, I am interested in ecotoxicology looking that the solutions to plastic doesn’t have a negative effect on calcifying species that are essential for communities.
Email: apa207@exeter.ac.uk
Research Profile / Bluesky / LinkedIn
Alexa Ioana
PhD Student in Dr Sariqa Wagley's Lab
Vibrio are a species of pathogenic bacteria that inhabit warm, saline waters. During times of stress, these bacteria can enter a dormant state during which they are not detectable in water when using standard tests. When resuscitated, Vibrio regains its pathogenicity and can infect humans and aquaculture. Using metagenomics, I am interested in looking at the diversity of these species year-round in the River Teign. In addition, I am interested in looking at the molecular mechanisms which causes Vibrio to become dormant or resuscitate and its impacts on antimicrobial resistance. This work is a collaboration with CEFAS (Andy Powell) and part of the NERC Red-ALERT CDT.
James Milton
PhD Student, supervised by Professor Charles Tyler, Dr Anke Lange, Professor Barbara Kaspryzk-Hordern, Dr Julie Bremner, Dr Dan Read
My research focusses on the ecological consequences of chemical pollution in freshwater systems and how pollutants may transcend ecological boundaries. My PhD under Professor Charles R. Tyler will explore how wastewater contaminants move through freshwater food webs, with particular focus on their implications for the breeding success of insectivorous birds and wider ecosystem health. Data will be used to better define pollutant-specific impact pathways and provide a stronger evidence base to inform dedicated management controls by industry and government. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) are also part of this work with support provided by Dr. Julie Bremner.
Previously, James worked at the Sussex Dolphin Project, an organisation focussed on education, research, and awareness of the dolphin and porpoise species found across the Sussex coastline.
Email: Jm1684@exeter.ac.uk
Research Profile / LinkedIn / OrcID
Francisco Schinder Coirini
PhD Student in Dr. Rob Ellis's Lab
My PhD uses physiological and behavioural measurements to reveal how mussels perform across environmental settings, species, and sub-populations, addressing key knowledge gaps that currently limit restoration. By linking organism-level responses to ecosystem-level outcomes, I evaluate the true capacity of mussels to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and monitor environmental health. This evidence clarifies not only which stocks can thrive in restoration scenarios, but why mussels are powerful natural assets worth restoring at scale. Ultimately, my work builds the scientific foundation needed to guide effective mussel bed restoration and support a sustainable expansion of the mussel aquaculture sector.
Email: fs521@exeter.ac.uk
Isobel Smith
PhD Student, supervised by Professor William Gaze, Dr Anne Leonard, Professor Angus Buckling, Dr Craig Baker-Austin
My research investigates the evolution and transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in bivalve shellfish. Using culture-based techniques and metagenomics, I will explore the prevalence and diversity of AMR within bivalves. And through gene transfer experiments, I aim to understand how AMR may evolve within the bivalve microbiome and subsequently transfer to the human gut microbiome, as well as the potential public health implications of this process. This work involves close collaboration with the FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Reference Centre at CEFAS. More broadly, I have a keen interest in AMR, bacterial pathogens, and public health from both clinical and environmental perspectives.
Research Profile / ECEHH Research Profile
Léa Soler Clavel
PhD Student in Dr Sarah Salisbury's Lab
My research investigates the gene expression pathways underlying sea lice resistance in salmonids, including Atlantic salmon, using single-cell transcriptomics and other genomics techniques. This project is co-supervised by Charles Tyler (University of Exeter), Irene Cano Cejas and Richard Paley at CEFAS, and Sean Monaghan (University of Stirling). With this project, I aim to support sustainable aquaculture through the identification of genetic targets to improve salmon resistance to parasites. My general research interests lie in understanding the evolutionary history and potential of adaptation in marine fish from genome architecture to gene expression, in order to inform population management, as well as sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.
Camila Toledo Jaime
PhD Student in Dr Steven Palmer's Lab
My PhD research examines how ocean warming, marine heatwaves, and reduced seasonal cooling are affecting UK marine aquaculture, with the aim of supporting climate-informed adaptation. By combining satellite and modelled ocean data with fine-scale, farm-relevant assessments, my work investigates why some sites are more exposed to thermal stress than others, and how warming interacts with additional stressors such as harmful algal blooms, low oxygen, jellyfish, and disease. The project integrates environmental analysis with stakeholder engagement to identify practical adaptation options and support decision-making for aquaculture management and planning. This research includes collaboration with CEFAS (Dr Bryony Townhill) and industry partners.