Neil Clark

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PhD student

Scientific interests

I’m currently working on my PhD entitled Understanding the Oceanic Methane Paradox: a Microbial Approach. Throughout this project I utilise a variety of analytical and microbial techniques to investigate interactions between the microbial community involved in methane production in oxygen supersaturated surface waters.

My current interests are:

Mesozooplankton
Methanogenic archaea
Anaerobic microsites

Education

2010-present	PhD student. University of the Highlands and Islands
2009	Organiser, fundraiser and participant of a marine ecology focussed expedition to Mexico in collaboration with El Colegio de la Frontera Sur
2007-2010	BSc (Hons) Ecological Science: Environmental Science (1st class). University of Edinburgh

Project

Understanding the oceanic methane paradox: a microbial approach

Project description and objectives

The aim of my research is to improve our understanding of why methanogens exist and remain viable in the oxygenated upper oceans.

My main objects currently are:

To investigate the influence of changing environmental conditions on the production of methane from sediment trap material and isolated methanogens.
Culture independent analysis of methanogens to investigate their spatial and temporal occurrence and diversity.
To use CARD-FISH and confocal microscopy to investigate the presence and location of methanogens and other microbes in zooplankton faecal pellets and particles.