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Conservation research goes much further than monitoring the big cats and giant pandas. Join us to discover how we can use poop to understand the challenges facing Antarctica’s penguins, and how understanding plant diseases can help preserve the natural environment and keep delicious foods on our table.
The not-so glamorous life of a penguin poo scientist
Katie O’Brien
(PhD Student, University of Bath)
This talk will be full of sh*t, but in the best way. My research uses poo to study wild penguin populations. You may be wondering: how is poo useful? Join me to find out about the wonders of poop DNA and what it reveals about its feathery hosts and their environment. But never fear, it’s not all about poop. I’ll also share my experience of working with penguins in the field, from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the rocky, seal-infested shores of South Georgia. I’ll reveal the challenges and joys of studying these charismatic birds and how my research aims to inform conservation efforts.
Why so Blue(berry)?
Rosie Lathum
(PhD Student, University of Bath)
Blueberries have become hugely popular. They can be enjoyed as fruit but also in our favourite foods: smoothies, cereals, muffins and more. However, introducing new crops, like blueberry, can pose risks to the economy and ecology.
Whilst this topic may seem mundane, it is in fact an interesting one to keep berries on your table and taste buds satisfied. Join me as we jump into the science of blueberry diseases and explore the ecological and economic impacts of introducing a new crop to keep up with our love for the little blue berry.
Whilst this topic may seem mundane, it is in fact an interesting one to keep berries on your table and taste buds satisfied. Join me as we jump into the science of blueberry diseases and explore the ecological and economic impacts of introducing a new crop to keep up with our love for the little blue berry.
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