Prof MA Bees, Dr J Pitchford
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
We are looking for an exceptional candidate for an EPSRC-funded strategic PhD studentship on the mathematics of harmful algal blooms in complex flows. Candidates should have a first degree in Mathematics, or a related subject, with a keen interest in applying mathematics to an ecological problem of global significance.
Annual bursts in oceanic planktonic productivity fix as much atmospheric carbon dioxide as terrestrial systems: they underpin our climate and are fundamental to the marine ecosystems. However, less predictable local coastal blooms can be harmful; toxins concentrated by fluid flow can contaminate the food chain, impacting health and food supply. HABs are a global problem. HABs cost the EU £1Bn per year (Davidson et al. 2014), and are increasingly prevalent in India (D’Silva et al. 2012) where fisheries employ >10 million people and provide essential nutrition for the growing population. HAB impact, even at small spatio-temporal scales, is therefore of great importance to societal health and well-being.
Blooms are caused by several different physico-ecological mechanisms (see, for example, Pitchford & Bridley 1999; Findlay et al. 2006; Reigada et al. 2003; Guirey et al. 2007). These models work well at large scales, but lack a rigorous inclusion of the small-scale biological and physical processes (e.g. Croze et al. 2013) governing the key interactions between species and environment. A new collaboration with Dr Prasad Perlekar, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad, will help to address these gaps.
The PhD will investigate systematically HAB triggering, prediction and mitigation via mathematics and bio-physical simulation. Concentration and/or dissipation by fluid flow, surface run-off, and salinity gradients are key targets. The conceptual pathway includes (1) horizontal flows, (2) vertical structure, (3) 3D turbulence, and (4) active transport. These complex interdisciplinary questions require advanced mathematical and biophysical modelling and data analysis.
Funding Notes
The studentship is based in York, funded via a University of York EPSRC strategic studentship, and will build on a new collaboration with Dr Prasad Perlekar, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad. The full EPSRC studentship is available for UK applicants or EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start date (otherwise, EU students can apply for fees only). Applicants can seek further information from Prof Martin Bees or Dr Jon Pitchford, Mathematics, University of York.
References
Croze, Sardina, Ahmed, Bees, Brandt. J Roy Soc Interface 10: 20121041, 2013.
Findlay, Yool, Nodale, Pitchford. J Plank Res 28: 209-220, 2006.
Guirey, Bees, Martin, Srokosz, Fasham. Bull Math Biol 69: 1401-1422, 2007.
Pitchford & Brindley. J Plank Res 21: 525-547, 1999.
Reigada, Hillary, Bees, Sancho, Sagués. Proc Roy Soc B 270: 875-880, 2003.
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