Visiting Researcher and Teacher in Plastic Pollution
Dr Imogen Napper
University of Plymouth
The Challenger Society Stepping Stones Bursary supported an opportunity to be a visiting researcher and teacher in plastic pollution at The Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI), in South Eleuthera (The Bahamas).
Overall, this was an incredible opportunity to step into new roles and fill important gaps in my research career. Over four months, I had the chance to lead a module on plastic pollution, guiding students through fieldwork and research projects, which felt both challenging and hugely rewarding.
Teaching and marking were areas I hadn’t fully explored before, and the experience was eye-opening. Developing lesson plans, overseeing student projects, and then assessing their work taught me how much care and attention go into every step. It wasn’t just about delivering content—it was about shaping how students think, helping them build confidence in their own abilities, and watching them grow as scientists.
One of the most valuable parts of this experience was realising how much I enjoy teaching and mentoring. It’s helped me reflect on where I want to take my career next, giving me the confidence to pursue roles that involve more leadership, like programme management and course design.
Beyond the classroom, I also broadened my marine science knowledge. I was able to collaborate with other researchers at CEI who were studying sharks, coral reefs, and fish populations. Being part of their projects gave me fresh insights and a chance to contribute to different areas of research, which broadened my marine science knowledge.
This experience has shaped my path forward and given me the confidence to take on the next steps in my career.
Profile:
Dr. Imogen Napper is a Marine Scientist and Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth. Her research investigates different sources of plastic pollution into the environment; this has helped to influence legislation banning microbeads in facial scrubs, investigated how we are polluting the planet through washing and wearing our clothes, demonstrated that biodegradable plastics bags could still hold a full load of shopping after being submerged in the ocean after 3 years and found the highest microplastics on Earth near Mt. Everest summit. Additionally, she focusses on how plastic pollution is linked to other environmental issues. Her research shows how small changes can make a big difference and that larger environmental commitments are needed by industry and governments globally.
Latest News
Socio-oceanography Workshop sets sights on key climate and ocean challenges
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is calling on scientists and researchers to participate in its fourth annual Socio-Oceanography Workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Marine Social Science Network.
This international event, set to take place at NOC’s Southampton site 26-28 February 2025, will gather experts across natural and social sciences to tackle the pressing issues linking people and the changing ocean.
This year’s workshop will focus on four key themes, including the impact of climate change-driven shifts in marine species distribution and how these changes will affect the way the UK marine environment is perceived, valued, and managed.
Other topics include integrating digital humans into environmental digital twins, addressing biases in research related to marine carbon dioxide removal, and exploring how local communities can engage in participatory environmental monitoring.
FMRI Lead Scientist Opportunity
The FMRI programme is now recruiting for a new Lead Scientist. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping to shape the UK’s future marine research capability.
The team are looking for someone who can connect with scientists and engineers to help define the best strategies for exploiting new technologies. Someone who is excited about new opportunities for marine research and can think across the big challenges. Someone who can peer over the horizon and imagine a different way of doing things.
FMRI is seeking to fund at least 50% of the Lead Scientist’s time to work as a key member of the programme leadership team.
I would be grateful if you could forward the attached flyer to your networks and encourage potential candidates to apply for this important role.
For an informal discussion, please contact the team via: info@fmri.ac.uk
For more information or to apply, please visit: www.fmri.ac.uk/recruit/lead-scientist
Applications close: 28th November, 2024
Applications for AGU Vice Chair for 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting
The AGU is currently inviting applications for a Vice Chair to help lead the Organising Committee for the 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting, to be hosted in Glasgow in 2026. Applications consist of a CV and expression of interest, to be received by 18 October 2024.
The biennial Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is jointly convened by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) and The Oceanography Society (TOS). The OSM is overseen by a Program Committee responsible for the scientific content of the meeting as well as ancillary events, plenary speakers, and award ceremonies. The Program Committee is composed of a Chair and Vice Chair selected by each of the three participating societies. This advertisement is for the AGU Vice Chair position.
https://www.agu.org/plan-for-a-meeting/agumeetings#vicechairosm26