Philippa works at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and physics, to gain insights into small-scale phenomena that have a global impact.

Her research focuses on the air-water interface, specifically the surface microlayer - a layer of water less than one-millimetre thick that covers 70% of Earth's surface. This tiny yet vital boundary plays a pivotal role in controlling the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and oceans, influencing Earth's carbon cycle, ecosystem health, and climate stability.

By bridging the science of our atmosphere and oceans, Philippa sheds light on the processes shaping our planet and their implications for a sustainable future.

Philippa is a Marine Biogeochemist who joined the Lyell Centre in August 2022 as a Research Associate on the Breathing Oceans project. This project investigates how organic matter in the surface microlayer (uppermost ~1 mm of water) influences air-sea gas exchange in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Prior to this, Philippa completed her PhD and held a Research Associate position at Newcastle University (UK), where she also focused on the dynamics of the surface microlayer.

She currently serves as the UK National Representative, and sits on the European Regional Panel, for the Surface Ocean Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) and is a steering group member of the Marine Biogeochemistry Forum within the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS).

Dedicated to making science accessible, Philippa frequently contributes to outreach efforts, most recently including the SAGES Climate Science podcast, the Pint of Science Festival in Edinburgh, and discussing her career path with Conservation Careers.

Carbon-Water Dynamics Group at The Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Sciences and Technology, led by Dr Ryan Pereira. 

Marine Biogeochemistry | Air-sea gas exchange | Surface microlayer | Oceanography | STEAM