Emma's research
Combining animal care and scientific expertise to investigate the health of fish
Fish are one of the most efficient converters of feed into high-quality food and are increasingly recognised for their nutritional and health-promoting qualities. Fish farming has developed, expanded and intensified over the past 40 years in line with the increasing global population. Aquaculture now produces almost 50% of the world's food fish. In order to maintain high levels of productivity, food security and expand key areas of the industry, it is essential to improve fish management and effectively control disease.
Bacterial gastrointestinal (GI) balance is known to play an important role in nutrient absorbtion, immune development and disease resistance in fish. My project focuses on identifying and characterising the GI microbiome in trout and how the expression of their genes affects the health of the gut. This will hopefully inform better health management of fish in the commercial fish farming industry.
Growing up on a fishery, fish health is something that I was brought up with and enjoyed learning about. As a qualified vet, I learn a little bit about a lot of different things, so the opportunity to focus on one area and gain a depth of knowledge is incredibly motivating. I am interested in the future of global food supplies. My PhD ties together the care of animals and how we can gather this information to enhance global food security.
I have a close team of supervisors who I have great professional relationships with. Our postgraduate administrative team are also incredibly supportive.
I chose the University of Nottingham’s doctoral training programme because I had a good idea of what to expect, having already completed an MRes here. I knew that the standard of supervision was really high – the doctoral training programme was particularly appealing because of the initial lab rotations. The value of learning new methods and approaches on the different rotations was tremendous.
My route to PhD is slightly unusual. I had to re-sit my A levels and initially it didn't look like I would be going to university. But I worked hard and got the grades to get me into veterinary school. I applied to the University of Nottingham’s vet school, completed my undergraduate degree and then went into a veterinary mixed practice. When I was out in practice, I realised that vets do the 20% of firefighting, which is brilliant and tremendously rewarding, but I wanted to do something that built into the hidden 80% of research. I ended up leaving the practice and came back to higher education in between positions, and some University of Nottingham staff that knew me recommended that I do a PhD. I was initially unsure, as a PhD is a big commitment. I then decided to try a masters to see if I liked it – which I did – and so went into the doctoral training programme.
As a qualified vet, I learn a little bit about a lot of different things, so the opportunity to focus on one area and gain a depth of knowledge is incredibly motivating.
I am currently in my final year as a part-time student working in a teaching position in the vet school. Half of my time is spent teaching undergraduates and the other half is spent on my PhD. During my time here I’ve received some great organised training such as the annual conference, which gives you a brilliant range of opportunities to learn new things.
I have a close team of supervisors who I have great professional relationships with. Our postgraduate administrative team are also incredibly supportive. One of the greatest strengths of the programme is how welcome they make you feel. The shared office space provides a great atmosphere of teamwork and empathy, working together to help each other out. There are postgraduate representatives and a buddy system available to guide new students. Having those people around you who empathise with the challenges of completing a PhD has been great. The benefits of having support from someone you can speak with face-to-face is more helpful than you realise.