Dr Sophie Watson

(she/her)

Overview

I've always been interested in a holistic view of ecology and how the small things in this world (even microbes) can be used as early warning systems of significant ecological shifts. These tiny, often ignored species are at the forefront of change and therefore are the most critical components in recognising critical turning points. My PhD investigated the gut bacteria and parasites of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and wolverines (Gulo gulo), exploring how changes in gut communities could be used as indicators of broader ecological change and threatened survival. Now, I apply the same thinking to address how shifts in bacterial and algal communities can instead provide early warnings of water quality risk in drinking supplies and understand how ecological restoration can reinstate essential feedback loops necessary to maintain sustainable water supplies; a win-win. As such, I’m continually interested in research that tackles human, wildlife and environmental health equally, creating solutions that benefit all (i.e. a One Health approach).

My research sits directly on the interface between academia and industry. Chiefly, my work bridges critical knowledge and technology gaps within industry, adapting highly complex methodologies in to standard operation procedures for industry use and facilitating data interpretation. I strongly believe that we as scientists are a community and that the knowledge we gain is there to be shared. If you would like to discuss any part of my research further, please do not hesitate to reach out; WatsonS2@cardiff.ac.uk