Project Objective:
To investigate how predator presence, particularly the invasive species signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), interacts with pollution, to impact on distribution of common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles in UK ponds, using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis.

Project Summary:
Amphibians are declining globally, with 40% of species threatened with extinction, which is higher than for any other vertebrate taxa. Amphibian populations are increasingly threatened by environmental stressors, including pollution, heatwave events, habitat change and invasive predators. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of multiple anthropogenic stressors in driving these declines. This project examines how the presence of predatory species such as invasive crayfish impacts common frog tadpoles by integrating molecular and physiological approaches. Water samples previously collected from UK ponds will be analysed for both the common frog and invasive crayfish DNA using qPCR, following eDNA extraction. The student will use the resulting data to explore correlations between predator abundance, common frog distribution and stress biomarkers, contributing to our understanding of ecological stressors in freshwater ecosystems.

Activities Involved:
All field samples have been collected, ensuring the project is logistically feasible within the award period. The student will focus on research design, project management, molecular work and data analysis with full training and supervision provided. The student will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge molecular techniques (eDNA and qPCR), and statistical data interpretation. They will have the opportunity to take intellectual ownership over aspects of the analysis and interpretation, contributing meaningfully to a current ecological research question rather than acting in a purely assistant role.

ECOWILD Research Themes:
Multiple stressor effects on individual species and their populations, Multiple stressor effects on biological communities, Applying multiple stressor theory to monitoring and management.

What Skills Will I Develop?
• Lab Work: General lab skills, eDNA extraction, qPCR for predator detection
• Statistical: Analyses of predator presence and density (from eDNA data) and pollution pressure in relation to common frog presence/absence
• Ecological Context: The student will be encouraged to engage with relevant literature and project meetings to interpret results within broader ecological and conservation frameworks.
• Training and Development: Participation in lab/team meetings, exposure to molecular ecology methods, and opportunities to present findings internally.

For more information, please contact Dr Frances Orton – f.orton@hw.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our application form

Project Objective:
To investigate how multiple environmental stressors influence the expression of key genes involved in sex determination and reproduction in the gonadal tissue of common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles.

Project Summary:
Amphibians are declining globally, with 40% of species threatened with extinction, which is higher than for any other vertebrate taxa. Environmental stressors such as pollution, heatwave events, habitat change and invasive predators can interfere with amphibian development, particularly in processes as sensitive as sex differentiation and reproduction. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of multiple anthropogenic stressors in driving these declines. This project will explore how such stressors affect gene expression in the gonads of common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles collected from a range of UK ponds.

Using gonadal tissue from previously collected tadpole samples, the student will perform RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to assess the expression of genes involved in sex determination and reproductive development. By comparing gene expression profiles across samples from different environmental contexts, this project aims to identify molecular responses to stressors that may contribute to sex differentiation and reproductive disruption in common frog populations.

Activities Involved:
All field sampling is complete. The project is lab-based and structured to be completed within the timescale of the student award. Full training will be provided in molecular methods and data analysis. The student will gain valuable experience in RNA-based gene expression techniques, molecular endocrinology, and conservation biology. They will have opportunities to think critically, interpret molecular data in an ecological framework, and contribute meaningfully to an ongoing research question rather than acting solely as a lab assistant.

ECOWILD Research Themes:
Multiple stressor effects on individual species and their populations.

What Skills Will I Develop?
• Lab Work: General lab skills, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and development of multiplex qPCR targeting key sex differentiation and reproduction related genes in tadpole gonads.
• Statistical: Analyses of gene expression data to identify patterns associated with environmental stress exposure.
• Contextual Understanding: The student will engage with ecological and molecular literature on endocrine disruption and amphibian conservation and participate in team discussions to interpret findings in a broader ecological context.
• Training and Development: Opportunities to learn and apply molecular techniques, attend lab meetings, and develop skills in data interpretation and scientific communication.

For more information, please contact Dr Frances Orton – f.orton@hw.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our application form

Project Overview:
Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a common feature of housing estates, designed to manage flood risk, improve water quality, and support biodiversity. One of the most common approaches are SuDS ponds, engineered water bodies that mimic natural processes. While their potential benefits are well recognised, there is a lack of knowledge over how their performance changes with the age of the pond. It is hypothesised that due to a lack of maintenance that their ecosystem service delivery may decline over time.

This project will explore whether SuDS ponds remain effective “eco-assets” or become “eco-liabilities” as they age. Through a combination of observation, fieldwork, and laboratory-based analysis, REP holders will monitor multiple ponds of different ages. Key aspects will include biodiversity assessments (e.g. aquatic invertebrates, vegetation surveys), water quality testing (e.g. heavy metals, sediment, e-coli), and indicators of flood management function (e.g. infiltration, pond depth, sedimentation). Soil and water samples will be collected and analysed to understand long-term changes in system performance.
Ideal for students interested in urban ecology, environmental science or engineering, this hands-on project blends practical fieldwork with critical thinking about how we design and maintain green infrastructure in a rapidly changing world.

Activities Involved:
The Research Experience Placement holder will take an active role in investigating the performance of SuDS ponds through fieldwork and laboratory analysis. Field visits will involve observations of a selection of SuDS ponds of varying ages, and the collection of ecological, hydrological, and water quality data. This includes sampling aquatic invertebrates and vegetation, measuring pond depth and sediment accumulation, and collecting soil and water samples for laboratory analysis.
In the lab, students will be trained in water chemistry testing (e.g. nutrient concentrations, turbidity), soil texture, and biodiversity identification techniques. All data will be systematically recorded, analysed, and interpreted with support from the supervisor.

To provide a wider understanding of the role SuDS play in urban environments, students will participate in the Nature-based Solutions group meetings, journal discussions, and training on green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and urban resilience. Opportunities to connect with local councils, environmental consultants, or researchers working in water management and urban planning will be available to help build professional networks.

The project encourages collaboration and critical thinking, preparing students with practical skills in environmental monitoring and a deeper appreciation of how urban design decisions impact ecological health and sustainability over time.

ECOWILD Research Themes:
Applying multiple stressor theory to monitoring and management, Ecosystem function and service delivery

What Skills Will I Develop?
Experimental Sampling Design, Fieldwork, Laboratory Tests, Statistical Analysis, Communication, Time Management

For more information, please contact Dr Ian Pattison – i.pattison@hw.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our application form

Project Overview:
This project aims to evaluate the distribution of two priority invertebrate freshwater species, the native freshwater pearl mussel and the invasive signal crayfish, in relation to biotic and abiotic stressors, including invasive species presence, land use, and pollution. The student will work with an archive of environmental DNA samples which have been collected throughout Scottish watersheds and previously analysed for the presence of vertebrate species using genetic metabarcoding. Using two species-specific digital PCR assays, the student will screen a subset of these samples to detect the presence of the target species and apply statistical modelling to identify key environmental factors influencing their distribution. Comprehensive metadata for the samples are already available.

Activities Involved:
The activities will focus on developing skills in various molecular laboratory workflows. Core techniques directly related to the project include DNA extraction, DNA quantification, and PCR methods. In addition, the student will have opportunities to observe and participate in a range of other molecular approaches, including library preparation for DNA sequencing using both Illumina and Nanopore technologies. While fieldwork is not a formal part of the project’s workplan, several related eDNA projects will be running over the summer, offering ample opportunities to engage in environmental DNA collection and water filtration methods. The student will also receive training in statistical modelling for data analysis. As a member of the vibrant research community at the Institute of Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation (IBFC), the student will participate in weekly group meetings, where they will present their project and gain exposure to a broad range of ongoing research at the institute

ECOWILD Research Themes:
Multiple stressor effects on individual species and their populations

What Skills Will I Develop?
The student will gain both theoretical and practical experience in eDNA-based approaches, including DNA extraction, digital PCR, and statistical modelling, specifically analysing species presence/absence in relation to multiple environmental stressors. They will also develop data presentation skills, with an emphasis on effectively communicating scientific findings

For more information, please contact Dr Bernd Hänfling – bernd.haenfling.ic@uhi.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our application form