Jodie Brown
Jodie is a British research technician based at the University of Nottingham (School of Geography). We interviewed Jodie to find out more about their research interests, and what they are currently working on.
Jodie Brown
What is your current role within the Hub?
I am a research technician working in organic geochemistry. I facilitate research and help gather data for the environmental assessment of the deltas. I work in a laboratory to analyse sediment samples and identify molecules of interest which help reconstruct past environments in the deltas.
Why did you want to be part of the Hub?
After graduating university with a degree in Chemistry, I wanted to work in a lab as I enjoy being hands-on rather than sitting at a desk all day. I was looking for technician work and the Living Deltas Hub really stuck out as it’s in my area of interest, geochemistry. I was drawn to the Hub as it’s an opportunity to collaborate with a large range of people around the world, including travelling to far-flung places to do fieldwork. Furthermore, it was important to me to work in an educational institution, rather than a corporation only trying to make money.
What areas of research are you interested in?
I am very early in my career so haven’t had a chance to experience many research areas. My current work, and that of my dissertation at university, are focused on using biomarkers (molecules from biological sources, preserved in sediment) to give us information about the past environment. I would like to pursue this area in the future, as well as learning about different areas of geochemistry.
Jodie working at a fume hood, adjusting a flow of nitrogen. Credit: Teresa Needham
Jodie working at a computer displaying chromatographic data. Credit: Teresa Needham
Jodie working in the lab, pouring green liquid. Credit: Teresa Needham
What are you working on currently?
My work involves identifying and quantifying pigments from plants and algae which are deposited in the sediment of lakes. I add chemicals to sediment samples to extract the pigments, which I then analyse using a machine that separates them into individually detectable components. These data are used to identify organisms living in the water/sediment in the past, which helps reconstruct the deltas’ history- for example, flooding or increased marine input. Knowledge of past environments and ecosystems can help inform how the deltas can be made less fragile, and more resilient against the effects of climate change.
How did you get into this area of research?
I studied Geology at A-level, which I really enjoyed- but then studied Chemistry at university. When there was a geochemistry module at university I jumped at the chance - this was a new part of the discipline for me, which I really enjoyed. I then did my dissertation on it too, which gave me experience of lab work in a research setting. This made me want to get a job in a lab, and it was good luck there was a role available in this institution, in my (slightly niche) area of interest.
How will your research make a difference to the future?
By reconstructing the past environment and monitoring the current situation, we can understand the fragilities of the deltas, and how they are changing over time. A greater understanding of the environment helps inform us how these systems can best be managed to ensure their longevity, helping the people living/relying on them. We just need to hope the science is listened to by policymakers.