About Philip:
As a marine biologist, I have a keen interest in seagrass habitats hoping to contribute to their health and restoration. I believe that seagrass habitats are widely underappreciated and could be an important habitat in mitigating climate change. At Swansea University I am expanding my research interests into the bacteria associated with seagrass habitats, studying how they interact within microbiomes, aiming to eventually building an interaction network. My marine biology interests also cover marine invertebrates, deep-sea and polar ecology. I have previously worked as a teacher at marine biology summer schools and have a strong passion for inspiring others about the incredible life and processes that exists in our oceans. 
Biography
I have obtained a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at Newcastle University in 2024. My research project “A review of Zostera marina seed composition, germination and energy metabolism pathways” focuses on the differences in early seagrass seed growth from three separated populations of the Zostera marina species. It also involved using bioinformatics to research the enzymatic pathways that seagrass may use to metabolise starch which is an important energy reserve for the plant. I have volunteered my time collaborating in the collection and analysis of samples for the North Sea time series. This involved using the University research vessel for plankton surveys as well as laboratory resources to process the samples collected. I have also completed an industrial placement with the Marine Management Organisation, this provided me with background knowledge about the legislation and documentation which goes into providing trawling dispensations and protected areas.