People

Haleigh Jorgeson

Graduate Laboratory Assistant
School of Life Sciences
Postgraduate Research Student
School of Life Sciences
 Haleigh Jorgeson

Profile

Ask me about
  • Molecular ecology
  • Biogeochemical cycling
  • Marine ecology
  • Environmental DNA

Biography

I am a current PhD student researching the impact of offshore structures on benthic communities, with a focus on microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling. This work is part of a UKRI funded project (INSITE) exploring the impacts of man-made structures in the marine environment. The findings of the project strive to fill knowledge gaps on oil and gas structures as well as wind farms, and how these structures impact the surrounding environment from construction through to post-decommissioning legacy effects. My research interests have always involved anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment. I completed a BSc in Marine Biology with Biodiversity and Conservation at Anglia Ruskin University, and an MSc in Ecology and Conservation and the University of Aberdeen. I also have 9+ years experience in the conservation sector, mainly focussing on marine turtle conservation. I currently sit on the Board of Directors of a conservation NGO in Brava, Cabo Verde, allowing me to continue both my conservation work and my research here at the University of Essex.

Qualifications

  • MSc Ecology and Conservation University of Aberdeen (2022)

  • BSc. Hons. Marine Biology with Biodiversity and Conservation Anglia Ruskin University (2019)

Research and professional activities

Thesis

Use of eDNA to assess the impact of offshore structures on marine benthic communities

Supervisor: Professor Corinne Whitby , Dr Natalie Hicks , Dr Boyd McKew , Professor David M Paterson

Contact

h.jorgeson@essex.ac.uk

Location:

Colchester Campus