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Over the last few months SENSE, we’ve had two excellent PhD Researcher working with us to explore the future of SENSE training. Whilst we do not currently have funding for future cohorts of PhD students, there is still a need for specialist Earth Observation (EO) training to maintain and upskill our space sector workforce.

Emily Butler led on market research exploring what space sector companies training needs are and the practicalities of sending employees on courses. Leam Howe worked on the existing SENSE training materials and packaging sample modules focusing on EO fundamentals and machine learning methods with practical examples. They worked with us over three months as secondments from their PhDs to help us scope the potential for future expansion. We would like to thank than for their time and effort in supporting SENSE CDT. Their insights and contributions are greatly valued and have provided a strong foundation for shaping training that is relevant, impactful, and aligned with the evolving needs of our community.

If you’re interested in finding out more about potential SENSE CPD please email EO_CDT@Leeds.ac.uk.

Name: (Dr) Nathaniel Baurley 

Institution: School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton 

PhD project title: Insights into the seasonal dynamics of the lake-terminating glacier Fjallsjökull, southeast Iceland, inferred using ultra high-resolution UAV imagery 

What is your background? 

I’ve recently completed a postdoc in the School of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton, where I used a combination of both field-based and satellite remote sensing methods to investigate the dynamics of several lake-terminating glaciers globally. Before this, I undertook a PhD – also at the University of Southampton – which I completed in 2022.  

Tell us about your project and the area of environmental science are you most excited about?

Lake-terminating glaciers, are, as the name suggests, glaciers that terminate in lakes, and they can be found in almost every glaciated region globally, including Iceland, Patagonia, High Mountain Asia, and even Greenland. Lake-terminating glaciers are important, as in these settings, retreat is not only controlled by the local climate, but also by another, arguably more important mass-loss mechanism, termed frontal ablation. Indeed, over the last decade or so, many lake-terminating glaciers globally have sped up and undergone rapid retreat in response to these processes, and therefore there is a need to better understand the reasons for this heightened dynamic response.

To date, much of our understanding of the processes driving the behaviour of lake-terminating glaciers stems from the application of satellite remote sensing, which allows us to monitor these glaciers across large areas and over long periods of time. However, several of the processes that comprise frontal ablation occur over relatively short timescales, from seasonal, to daily, which can be difficult to capture using traditional satellite remote sensing. Therefore, in order to investigate, and ultimately understand these processes, we need to utilise other remote sensing methods, specifically uncrewed aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

UAVs are a fantastic tool for environmental research as they allow different landscapes and processes to be investigated in really high detail – especially over short timescales – and therefore they’re perfect for investigating those processes impacting lake-terminating glaciers – which is where my PhD comes in. Using ultra-high resolution UAV imagery, I was able to provide new insights into the dynamics of Fjallsjökull, a lake-terminating glacier in Iceland, across a range of temporal scales (seasonally, weekly, and daily), improving our understanding of the processes that are driving the ongoing retreat of the glacier. Personally, the area of environmental research I am most excited about is the continued innovation around UAV platforms and the range of opportunities this will provide future researchers, both within the field of glaciology, as well as environmental science more broadly.  

Was having environmental science at the core of your PhD project important to you?

I have long been interested in the impacts of climate change on our natural world, particularly on glaciers and glacial environments. Indeed, the ongoing retreat of glaciers worldwide has severe consequences, not just for global sea level, but also for regional hydrology, which in turn affects freshwater availability (e.g., for consumption/agriculture), hydropower generation, and sediment transport. Improving our understanding of these environments is, therefore, vital, in order to protect the livelihoods of those communities who rely on them, as well as those who will be impacted indirectly through rising sea levels and other associated impacts.

Why did you decide to enter the environmental sector?

Having grown up in South Wales, with the Brecon Beacons on my doorstep, I’ve always had an affinity with the outdoors and an interest in the different landscapes that surround us. In secondary school, this quickly resulted in Geography becoming my favourite subject, and – perhaps unsurprisingly – I then went on to study Geography for my degree, at Aberystwyth University. It was during some of my very first lectures that I first learned about glaciers and glacial environments, and thanks in part to the incredibly engaging and passionate lecturer that I had, I was immediately hooked. After this experience, I knew I wanted to become a glaciologist, and I’ve not left the environmental sector since. Indeed, upon completion of my BSc, I undertook an MSc in Glaciology (also at Aberystwyth), before moving to Southampton to complete my PhD and subsequent postdoc…stay tuned for what happens next…!

What does equity, diversity and inclusion in environmental science mean to you?

To me, it means ensuring that all students have fair and equal access to the same opportunities – no matter their background – whilst also providing a work environment where they feel comfortable, respected and empowered. Although clear progress has been made over recent years – with many UK universities investing heavily to improve EDI – there is still work to do to ensure that the system is robust and that everyone feels supported and comfortable in their workplace.

Throughout my time in academia, I have also been a strong proponent of EDI. During my PhD, I was postgraduate representative for the School of Geography, where I fought to ensure equal access to opportunities for PhD students at both the school and faculty level. I am also currently the president of the International Glaciological Society’s Early-career Glaciology Group, whose primary goal is to enhance the experience of ECRs in any area of cryospheric research (both socially and academically), whilst being welcoming and inclusive to all. In both cases, I have felt empowered knowing I am actively making a
difference to EDI – but more can always be done.

What are your hopes for future PhD students?  

Firstly, I hope that all PhD students continue to have access to a range of opportunities in order to develop new skills and become more experienced, well-rounded academics. This includes things like teaching, presenting at conferences, working on papers, undertaking training courses and helping with outreach activities. Academia is so competitive now that having a well-rounded CV, with lots of different experiences, can really make the difference. Secondly, I hope that PhD students get the recognition they deserve for all the hard work they do, and how much they contribute to the research and social culture within lab and office environments. PhD students are the future of academia – it’s about time they were recognised (and rewarded) for this role! Finally, it’s important that all PhD students have access to better mental health support at a university level, and that they are provided with a space where they feel safe and empowered to make their voices heard.

Any tips for those interested in applying for PhDs?   

• Think carefully about the projects you are applying for – can you see yourself working on it for 3-4 years? A PhD is a challenge, but it should also be enjoyable…therefore, applying for project(s) you are highly interested in is extremely important.
• Give yourself plenty of time to apply to ensure your application is as strong as possible – get the advice of old university tutors if you’re able
• Do your research! Not just on potential supervisors, but also the department/school as well. Does it seem like a good fit? Is the research being carried out by other academics of interest? What about the university? What is the accommodation like? Does it offer sports/social clubs that you’d want to join? Remember, you are more than just your studies. Work/life balance is important, and therefore you need to ensure the university (and the town/city you may be moving to) is also a good fit for you.
• If there’s a particular academic you’d like to work with, but they aren’t advertising a project, then don’t be afraid to contact them directly – you’d be surprised how many PhD projects start this way.
• Remember there’s no expectation that you will be an expert in the area of research you are applying for. Indeed, you will learn much of this knowledge during the PhD itself, and as such supervisors will be far more interested in the enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement that you show for their project.
• Don’t feel like you have to jump straight into a PhD immediately after finishing your Masters/Bachelors. Undertaking a PhD is a challenge, and at times it will test your resilience, so there is no shame or harm in taking a break before starting. This could be a year out to go travelling, or to work in industry – either way make you do what is right for you (I had a 12-month break between finishing my MSc and starting my PhD and it was the best thing I ever did!)

Reason Mlambo, our Edinburgh PhD student in GeoSciences, recently attend ISRSE40 in Farnborough, and here are his main take aways from the conference. In Reason’s own words:

“Attending the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE40) was a really insightful experience. The event brought together experts from academia, industry, and government, all focused on how Earth observation (EO) technologies are shaping our understanding and management of the planet. The academic sessions were quite enlightening, and covered a wide array of EO applications—from monitoring crops to urban planning and mitigating climate change. Another highlight were the panels – notably the ones on EO’s role in sustainable development. It’s clear that EO technologies have a big part to play in helping us achieve sustainability goals. The discussions were broad, touching on everything from technical issues, societal impacts as well as ethical implications of deploying EO technologies in the era of AI. These exchanges underscored the pivotal role EO data has in informed policymaking and efficient resource management. I particularly enjoyed the mentoring sessions which took place every day during lunchtime. During these sessions I had the privilege to meet experienced professionals in the EO sector, who shared career advice, industry trends, and their own experiences in the field. A recurring theme throughout the conference was the underutilisation of EO data. Despite the vast amounts of EO data being collected “… only about 3% is actually being meaningfully utilised”. It was noted that there’s a real chance here for the EO community to step up and show how this data can be better leveraged across different sectors.

I also made a quick stop at the Farnborough Space Show, which was taking place concurrently with the conference. It was exciting to see what’s new in the space sector, with companies showcasing the latest in satellite technology and data analytics. Events like these give a great peek into future possibilities in EO and related fields. Overall, the conference and the space show were packed with learning and networking opportunities. I also came away with valuable insights on how I could enhance my own PhD project.”

We would like to thank our funder the Natural Environment Research Council and Reason’s supervisor, Gary Watmough, for supporting our student in his PhD journey.

On Wednesday 19^th February, at the invitation of our colleagues from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), we spent the day visiting our partner’s headquarters in the city of Cambridge. The day began with a presentation summarizing the work currently underway at BAS including hosting doctoral students under various landscape and focal awards, advanced training fieldwork in the polar regions and an overview of what lies ahead for BAS and its polar operations in the near future. Our students learnt about a SiCLING project (weird fluffy stuff – no pun intended) and on the logistics and environmental challenges when building on the Rothera Research Station. More on the ongoing construction project aiming at modernizing the UK’s largest research and operations hub in Antarctica can be found here. 

We also heard on the local and global effects of climate change and the fascinating work happening behind the scenes when developing reports for policymakers and the UN (IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate).

Next, we received a presentation on paleoclimate study of the microparticles trapped in ice cores aiming to reconstruct past environmental changes and had a glimpse of the Antarctic sea floor ecosystems. 

In the second part of the day, we heard from SENSE students and their counterparts based in BAS on their latest findings and the progress they’re making in their respective research fields. Not only did they have an opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills (we are well impressed!) but more importantly, to shine a light on the topics they are passionate about – true scientists in the making.

Last but not least, we had a unique opportunity to tour two of the research facilities at BAS: the Mission Control room and the Herbarium. In the state-of-the-art Mission Control room our students journeyed to the Antartic, even if only virtually. In the Herbarium, hosting over 40,000 plant specimens from the polar and sub-polar regions, the students observed how the professionals organize the vast collection of plants and manage data. Seeing the inner workings of both facilities and interacting with researchers and technicians throughout the day, gave the visitors an excellent insight into the important work taking place at BAS and was an eye-opening experience with valuable takeaways.

We know how much our students value opportunities to network with like-minded individuals. We trust that the visit to BAS led to interdisciplinary collaborations, fresh perspectives, and constructive feedback, and hopefully elevated the quality of our students’ research.

The visit wouldn’t be possible without the support of Andrew Fleming, Ali Teague, and our two wonderful students Katie Lowery and Luisa Aviles Podgurski. A special thank you note goes out to our funder, the Natural Environment Research Council.

Between 11th and 12th February, 7 SENSE students participated in the ESA ESTEC workshops on the future of Earth Observation in 2040+

The workshops provided insights into EO policy, long-term strategies, and industry challenges, broadening our students’ perspective beyond academia and sparking career-related inspiration.

Interacting with experts and learning about ESA’s initiatives encouraged our students to seek future collaboration opportunities and pursue further engagement with the EO community.

For those nearing the end of their PhDs, the knowledge gained was particularly relevant to job applications and interviews, demonstrating a broader understanding of the EO landscape.

Our students valued the chance to connect with leading figures in the EO field, including ESA decision-makers and industry professionals. New connections have been formed by some that could potentially shape their future careers – fingers crossed!

Attending as a group was beneficial, offering mutual support in networking and the opportunity to collectively provide meaningful feedback to ESA on important EO strategy topics. Here are some of the thoughts shared by our students with ESA on the proposed European Blueprint for Earth Observation:

• Accessibility and usability of EO data, ensuring inclusivity for researchers with varying technical expertise
• ESA’s Zero Debris commitment, focusing on enforcement and international policy coordination
• Resilience and redundancy in EO missions, emphasizing the need for continuity strategies
• Training development, particularly in cloud computing and emerging data formats
• Outreach and policy engagement, advocating for stronger EO awareness among policymakers and the public
• Inspiring the next generation of EO scientists through school engagement and curriculum integration
• Ethics, data governance, and misinformation, addressing privacy concerns and AI transparency
• Improved communication and fostering better community interaction.

The students’ valuable comments, based on their experiences of using ESA EO data, was well received, and is being directly fed into the mission requirements for the Next Generation of Sentinel missions.

Students greatly appreciated the financial support and encouragement from SENSE, which made their participation possible and eliminated financial barriers.

A special thank you note goes to Kathy Whaler and Christine Gommenginger for their valuable input and guidance offered to the students before their trip, and to the Natural Environment Research Council and the European Space Agency.

We are proud to announce that Emily Dowd has been awarded a PhD degree on 26^th November 2024.  

Emily joined the NERC SENSE CDT on 1^st October 2020 and did her PhD at the University of Leeds under the supervision of Dr Chris Wilson, Prof. Martyn Chipperfield, Prof. Emanuel Gloor, Prof. Alistair Manning and Prof. Ruth Doherty. During her PhD she published two papers, one which captured the first methane gas leak to be detected from space and mitigated in the UK. She completed a two-month CASE partnership at the Met Office which gave her the skills to estimate the gas leak using the Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment (NAME). Emily also completed one month as a visiting scientist position at the European Space Agency where she worked on developing the nested grid model for the TOMCAT CTM and compared simulations with Senintel-5P retrievals.  

During her PhD, Emily co-founded the SatSchool outreach programme with three other SENSE students. This project introduces key Earth Observations concepts to 11-15 year olds and the project continues to reach school pupils across the UK.  

What’s next for Emily? 

Emily is now a Research Fellow in Greenhouse Gas Modelling at the University of Leeds and is working on the EO4CH4 project. This project aims to use Earth Observation to support the reduction of methane emissions from agriculture in Australia.  

Bryony joined NERC SENSE CDT on 1st October 2020 and completed her PhD at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as a University of Leeds registered student. Her research focused on the use of satellite altimetry to improve understanding of the dynamics of Antarctic grounding zones, supervised by Dr Oliver Marsh, Prof. Anna Hogg and Prof. Helen A. Fricker.

Bryony was awarded her PhD in July 2024 and—just three days after her viva—joined the RRS Sir David Attenborough on her maiden voyage to the Arctic. During the 6-week KANG-GLAC cruise to the fjords of south-east Greenland, Bryony was part of the physical oceanography team. Her responsibilities included running CTD casts to measure ocean properties in and around the fjords, and processing the continuous weather, oceanographic and seafloor data collected by the ship’s instruments. The primary goal of the cruise was to gather data to better understand the interactions between the flows of warm water into the fjords and rates of glacier melt, and the resulting impact on marine productivity, sedimentation and nutrient cycling.

A highlight of the cruise (alongside seeing polar bears and orcas for the first time!) was Bryony’s coordination of a live ‘Meet the Scientist’ workshop. This interactive session, organized in collaboration with SatSchool and Dynamic Earth, reached over 4,000 pupils across Scotland, offering them a first hand glimpse into life as a polar scientist. The event also featured a video Bryony created to showcase the team’s activities during the research cruise, which you can watch here: 

In October 2024, Bryony took the next step in her career by moving to San Diego to start a Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This two-year fellowship allows her to continue her pioneering research on Antarctic grounding zones, benefiiting from advanced training and application of artificial intelligence methods. 

To learn more about Bryony’s work, check out her two PhD publications in The Cryosphere and Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface.

Following the success of our writing retreats in early 2024, we recently arranged for a couple more for our students with great success. Our students had the opportunity to dedicate some time to focus on writing. The retreats included mindfulness and stretching sessions, walking/running/tennis activity sessions and optional evening yoga. Our students had an excellent time and even met some friendly llamas on a chilly Yorkshire morning.

By Leam Howe

It might come as a surprise, but even in the relatively mild climate of Scotland, snow
manages to endure year-round in certain mountain locations. In fact, until recently, some
highland corries would house perennial snow patches for many decades without seeing
them melt. The fine balance between preferential snow deposition in winter and sheltering in
summer makes predicting the distribution of these snow patches a rigorous test for the kind
of physically based snow models used in climate projection and impacts studies. This is the
basis of my PhD research.

This summer, my fieldwork took me to Coire Cas on Cairngorm Mountain, where I aimed to
map the areal extent and measure the reflective properties of some persistent snow patches.
My tool for the job was a DJI M210 drone equipped with a multispectral sensor matched to
the Sentinel-2 satellite sensor. Conducting multispectral drone surveys requires two things
notoriously scarce in the Scottish Highlands: low winds and clear skies. Moreover, this
summer was dubbed ‘Scotland’s worst since 2015,’ limiting us to a single day of drone
surveys. The scarcity of cloud-free days this season is visualised in figure 1, which
showcases all the satellite images captured from the Sentinel-2 over Cairngorm Mountain
this summer.

Despite the inclement weather, we did manage to retrieve some spectral measurements of
the late-lying snow on the 24th June (figure 2 shows one of the short-lived sunny intervals on
the day). These data will help improve the snow mapping algorithms which, in turn, feed into
research and contribute to discussions concerning biodiversity, water resources, and risk
management in cold and mountainous regions.

In addition to my fieldwork, this summer I made my first ‘pilgrimage’ to a remote North-East
facing corrie on Braeriach mountain called Garbh Choire Mòr. This location is considered to
be the snowiest place in the UK and houses the famous Sphinx snow patch (see figure 3).
The Sphinx has made it to popular news platforms numerous times over the past few years,
and this year marks an unprecedented fourth consecutive year of its disappearance. Figure
4 shows a timeline marking the years that the Sphinx has disappeared; the trend seen here
mirrors the significant impacts of climate change on Scotland’s winter conditions. Current
projections suggest a stark future with ‘little to no snow by the 2080’ — a disheartening
forecast for chionophiles like myself.

We are very excited to announce that our Cohort 1 student Calum Hoad secured a position as a Senior Science Officer – Seagrass Habitat Mapping. From day 1 on 11th November, Calum has faced the challenge of juggling a professional career and a PhD head-on.

A few words from Calum on his experience so far working for Project Seagrass:

“I’m delighted to be starting a new role which utilises the skills I’ve developed throughout my PhD to aid our understanding of seagrass distribution, important in the context of both the biodiversity and climate crises. I’ll be starting my new role part-time while I finish my PhD work“

We know Calum will continue to thrive and we wish him all the very best, and can’t wait to hear more about his new adventure.