Contact Dr Theresa Mercer
- Email: Theresa.Mercer@cranfield.ac.uk
- Twitter:
Areas of expertise
- Environment and Health
- Environmental Impacts
- Natural Capital
- Soil Resources
- Sustainable Land Systems
- Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
Background
Dr Mercer is trained as an inter-disciplinary environmental scientist. Her research interests lie in environmental systems change following perturbations such as landuse change and management interventions. She uses collaborative education approaches for optimising environmental system goal setting and in promoting pro-environmental behaviours for environmental sustainability. Areas of teaching and disciplinary-based educational research focus on education for sustainable development (ESD), environmental management and digital tools for future-proofing environmental teaching and learning.
Theresa joined the Cranfield Environment Centre in May 2023 as a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sustainability and Environment Programme Director following academic postings at the University of Lincoln, Cardiff University, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, Keele University, the University of Queensland (Australia) and the University of Hull. She obtained her PhD in physical geography from the University of Hull (UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded) with a PGDip in Research Skills following a degree in environmental science from the University of East Anglia and MSc in environmental management from Sunderland University.
She is currently a Visiting Academic for the University of Lincoln, a Member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences and an Affiliate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. She holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Research opportunities
Examples of current and recent research supervision
PhD:
Community Education and Its Impact on Environmental Stewardship in Tuvalu (Commonwealth Funded studentship) (Soseala Tinalu, completed, external supervisor)
Masters by Research:
The efficacy of using gamification for educating HE students on sustainability and climate change (Jessica Thomas, completed, external supervisor)
An investigation into R. ponticum impacts on woodland soil health and recommendations for management and removal techniques (Michaela Loria, completed, first supervisor)
Current activities
Current and Recent Research Activities include:
ESRC REGENYSYS (Project Co-lead):
Project website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/circularity-hub/regenysys
The REGENYSYS project aims to build the capacity for a circular bioeconomy in the Thames Estuary. The circular bioeconomy restores local ecosystems to benefit local food production, wildlife, flood management, soil quality, aid in carbon sequestration and provide recreational opportunities for local people. It also harvests organic waste to produce feedstock, pharmaceuticals, construction materials and produce bioenergy. These activities offer new economic opportunities for residents living near the Estuary.
The team will create a living lab in the Thames Estuary to explore the potential for creating a circular bioeconomy of wellbeing. It will engage with local stakeholders and seek to develop experimental projects with them to benefit the local community. The team will also develop an educational programme for young people living near the estuary, so they too can be part of his transformation process. The team will monitor the ecological and social impact of these efforts and further explore their potential to transform the Thames Estuary.
