Dr May Silveira Bianchim is a Research Officer at the School of Health Sciences. Her work centres on advancing population health through co-produced research and meaningful public involvement. May's multidisciplinary expertise spans chronic pain in children, physical activity, and long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. She collaborates with institutions including Swansea University and the University of Stirling and contributes to Cochrane’s Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group.
Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones is a Lecturer in Marine Pollution at the School of Ocean Sciences. Passionate about science communication and effecting positive environmental change, Winnie’s multidisciplinary research examines the extent, behaviour, and ecological impacts of microplastic pollution to inform on effective, science-based interventions. She works closely with policymakers in support of the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations.
Dr Laura Richardson is a Research Fellow at the School of Ocean Sciences. Laura specialises in marine ecology and fisheries science. She researches the reasons why tropical coral reefs are ecologically organised the way they are - disentangling the effects of natural processes occurring across time and space from human impacts that, in combination, cause coral reefs to be different across locations. She also works on practical solutions for sustainable fisheries, with a focus on Welsh coastal waters.
Dr Jessica Kevill is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Virology at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. Jessica's research investigates the fate of human sewage-associated viruses in bathing waters under climate change conditions and examines the risks these viruses pose to human health. Her work is multidisciplinary and extends to studying how viruses interact with environmental factors such as turbidity and microplastics. Her findings inform water quality policy, helping develop evidence-based regulations in response to climate change.
Dr Jennifer Roberts is a Research Officer at the Dementia Services Development Centre within the School of Health Sciences. Jen has an interest in looking at ways to support people with dementia to live as well as possible following the diagnosis. Central to her work is co-production and ensuring that the voices of lived experience are heard.
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said, "Bangor University is committed to empowering researchers to become future leaders and innovators. Selection for the Welsh Crucible highlights both their potential and the collaborative ethos that drives our research culture. This experience will help them to develop new ideas, lead pioneering initiatives, and strengthen their capacity to address complex challenges at both national and global levels."
The Welsh Crucible is a collaborative initiative funded by a consortium of Welsh higher education institutions and Medr, the Commision for Tertiary Education and Research.