Academic history:
A second-class upper in BSc in soil science and Land Management from the University of Benin, Nigeria. A distinction in MSc in Agriculture and Environmental Science from Newcastle University, UK.
Awards:
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (2022) • Loughborough University Vice Chancellor Studentship (2023). • General Endowment Award 2025, Society for Freshwater Science Professional Memberships: • British Society for Geomorphology • Royal Society of Chemistry • British Ecological Society • Society for Freshwater Sciences • Quaternary Research Association • Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) • International Association of Sedimentologists • International Paleolimnology Association • International Limnogeology Association
Personal research interests:
As an aspiring environmental scientist with specialisation in soil health and management, my awareness of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address global environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion fuels my interest in researching and developing innovative solutions to these challenges to make a positive impact on the environment and society.
Research Projects:
• Effects of compaction by heavy agricultural machinery on soil physical properties (BSc) • Effects of combined soil amendment using rock dust with fertiliser and tillage practices on soil health in agricultural systems (MSc) • Reconstructing legacy pollution history and emissions of odorous volatile organic compounds from the Barton Quarry Lakes (Quarry Life Awards 2025).
Reservoir Pollution: Investigating Pollutant Dynamics and Reservoir Ecosystem Health in the UK (EcoSENSE Project 1)
PGR Supervisors: Dr Dave Ryves, Dr Helen Glanville and Dr James Reynolds
As part of the EcoSENSE cluster, Faith’s PhD research investigates pollutant dynamics and reservoir ecosystem health in reservoirs that supply drinking water in the Midlands, UK. Given the increasing demand for water resources amidst climate variability, her study focuses on understanding the occurrence, distribution and impact of pollutants within reservoirs, which are critical for water supply and ecosystem stability.
Her research explores various contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides and plastic-derivatives, in both surface water and sediments. By analysing pollutant variations between impounding and non-impounding reservoirs, she aims to determine how internal reservoir characteristics (retention ans flow rate) and external influences (e.g., drought, land use and management practices) shape water quality. Adittionally, ahe investigates how seasonal changes and past pollution events contribute to the resuspension of legacy pollutants and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affecting water taste and odor.
A key component of her study is the use of diatoms assemblages to reconstruct historical pollution concentrations in reservoir sediemnt cores. This approach provides insight into the links between pollution history, present-day and predictable future water quality challenges. Her findings will enhance the understanding of emerging contaminants in UK water bodies, inform water treatment strategies, and support environmental policies for sustainable water resource management.