Climate-change PhD making a difference at home

Addressing vulnerability

The coastal area around Winneba is low-lying, with lagoons and sand barriers. Sea-level rises and erosion can have a big impact in these areas.

Daniel’s PhD looked at the vulnerability of the coastal fishing communities to climate change – and other stressors – and the capacity of these communities to adapt. He completed his work this summer.

He says: "The research topic offered an exciting and a much-desired opportunity to explore a subject and a research area of much personal interest to me. The last three years studying in Derby has been the most challenging and yet the most rewarding part of my career."

Daniel worked closely with Dr Sian Davies-Vollum and Dr Deb Raha on his research. He says: “From the beginning to the end, my supervisors were exceptionally supportive in providing both academic and pastoral assistance. Having completed almost all my research remotely, the library and ICT were very helpful when I needed them.”

Tackling climate change

Feeling connected

Despite carrying out much of his work remotely, Daniel was able to:

• Complete two seasons of field work in Africa
• Publish two research articles
• Win three Three-Minute Thesis awards and make the 2020 national final
• Record an educational video with Time for Geography 
• Produce learning resources and teacher notes for AccessED - Key Stage 5 Environmental Science 

And complete his thesis.

He says: “This is through the incredible support of my supervisors, family and friends, and the opportunities the University offered.”

Daniel was also instrumental in getting running water piped to the local school in the communities in which he was working. After graduating, he hopes to continue his career in academic research.