| Academic Year | 2020-2021 |
| Institution | Queen's University, Belfast |
Biography
Graduation Date: October 2025
What did your pathway to PhD look like? I completed an MChem in Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen, followed by research and lab experience at several universities across the UK. I developed a strong interest in biogeochemistry and long-term environmental change, which led me to apply for a PhD focusing on human-climate-ecosystem interactions in prehistoric Ireland.
What made you apply to the QUADRAT DTP? I was drawn to QUADRAT for its strong interdisciplinary ethos, emphasis on field and lab training, and its network across excellent institutions. The opportunity to work on environmental change with experts in both archaeological and ecological sciences really appealed to me.
What was your PhD research title? “Investigating the timing and causes of nitrogen cycle changes in Bronze Age Ireland”
Can you tell us a little bit about your PhD research? My PhD investigated how human activities and climate change impacted the terrestrial nitrogen cycle during the Bronze Age in Ireland. I used multi-proxy data from ombrotrophic peat bogs—including pollen, testate amoebae, and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13Corg, Corg:N)—to explore ecosystem changes. The research disentangled climate-driven hydrological shifts from anthropogenic land-use and revealed how secondary decomposition affected the nitrogen isotope record.
What were the highlights and/or biggest accomplishments of your PhD? My biggest highlight was giving a keynote speech at INQUA, one of the most important conferences in my field, as an early career researcher.
What part(s) of the QUADRAT programme had the strongest impact on you and your career? The interdisciplinary cohort environment and the tailored training opportunities had a major impact. The support to attend international conferences, especially INQUA in Rome, helped me grow both professionally and personally. The emphasis on cross-institutional collaboration also prepared me well for international research environments.
Please tell us a little bit about what you are doing now? I started a postdoc in February 2025, analysing carbon sequestration in the Arctic Ocean during the Quaternary
How did your PhD help you decide on this career path? My PhD helped solidify my interest in past climate-biogeochemistry interactions. Working across palaeoecology, geochemistry, and isotope systems prepared me to continue exploring carbon and nitrogen cycling in Earth systems—leading directly to my current postdoc position.
What advice would you offer to current/future PhD students and applicants? Stay curious and don’t be afraid to step into new disciplines—some of the best insights come from interdisciplinary thinking. Also, take advantage of the training and networking opportunities early, and don’t underestimate the value of documenting and communicating your work clearly.
What is your best memory of QUADRAT? The friendships I made throughout the programme – some of which have lasted beyond the PhD – are definitely the best part of QUADRAT. I even met my current partner through the DTP, which makes the experience especially meaningful.
Contact Sarah at:
- Email: Sarah.ferrandin@geo.au.dk
