PhD Research

 

Photography as a Tool for Environmental Engagement

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I am currently undertaking doctoral research exploring the use of photography as a tool for public engagement with environmental pollution and ecological change. My research sits at the intersection of photographic practice, environmental science and visual communication.

Drawing upon a professional background in microbiology, environmental testing and higher education, I investigate how photography can make complex environmental issues visible, accessible and meaningful to wider audiences. The project examines how photographic processes can be used not only to document environmental conditions but also to encourage public understanding, dialogue, and engagement with issues such as pollution, water quality, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Through practice-based research, I explore how both analogue and digital photographic methodologies can contribute to environmental communication. Recent work has focused on the relationship between photographic materials and the environments they represent, including experimental approaches that incorporate environmental elements directly into image-making processes. My research is informed by a belief that photography has the potential to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public understanding. By combining artistic practice with environmental enquiry, the work seeks to create meaningful connections between people, place and ecological responsibility.

 

Research Themes:​​

• Environmental pollution and photographic representation

• Photography and public engagement

• Water quality and aquatic environments, Biodiversity and environmental change

• Visual communication of scientific issues, Experimental and analogue photographic processes

 

Practice-based research methodologies;​

Environmental advocacy through creative practice

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Current Focus:

My doctoral work investigates how photography can contribute to public understanding of environmental pollution, exploring the potential of visual imagery to communicate scientific and environmental issues to diverse audiences and to encourage meaningful engagement with the natural world.

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Academic Profile

• PhD Candidate, York St John University

• MFA Photography (Distinction)

• Curriculum Lead, Photography

• Research interests: Environmental photography, pollution, public engagement, visual communication and practice-based research