Charlene (she/her) is a recent marine biology graduate and an aspiring environmental advocate who is committed to communicating the importance of marine conservation. For as long as she can remember, Charlene has had a profound curiosity for the oceans and wildlife,
leading her to broaden her marine science interest and knowledge at one of the world’s largest Ocean and Earth science research centres in Southampton (National Oceanography Centre Southampton). In her spare time, Charlene likes to keep up her passion for the outdoors by going on nature walks, as well as keeping active by playing interactive sports such as netball and tennis.
During her degree, most of Charlene’s research and work focused on the impacts of environmental stressors including climate change on both living and non-living aspects of the oceans. In her third year, she was assigned in a group project to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical pollution via sewer overflows in the River Thames, and its potential toxic effects on aquatic life. Along with her group, her dedicated efforts to researching, collecting, and calculating data led to the publication of an internationally peer-reviewed scientific manuscript that can be found in the well-established journal, Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
However, Charlene’s growing devotion to exploring ecotoxicology didn’t stop there. In her final year, Charlene undertook an independent research project for her thesis investigating the synergistic effects of ocean warming and microplastic pollution on Pacific oyster physiology and health. The results of this study revealed clear changes in the responses of oysters when exposed to such stressors, driving her to become even more motivated in understanding and communicating the impacts of anthopogenic threats to our oceans.
Charlene has also extended her commitment to environmental advocacy across the pond in the US, reflecting her adventurous and adaptable nature. In 2022, she studied at the University of California San Diego as part of an exchange program, gaining fundamental insights into promoting climate science through participation in a climate action research campaign. This experience opened the door to Charlene’s aspirations for public engagement and involvement in environmental science. Eager to continue this work, she later completed an internship at a non-profit environmental organisation based in Texas which progressed into a research consultancy role, where she contributed to youth engagement and community empowerment in a climate mitigation project. From this opportunity, Charlene discovered one of her personal aspirations, which is to educate and raise awareness on environmental issues whilst helping people realise their innate change-making potential. This is a key attribute which Charlene looks forward to emphasising in the advisory council, whilst also hoping to foster new connections and demonstrate the importance of active collaboration with a range of communities.