PhD Researcher: Environmental Footprinting of Upland Lamb Production

• BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management - The University of Edinburgh and SRUC - First Class
  University of Edinburgh, 2015–2018

I am currently researching the environmental impacts across different production systems (lowland, upland and hill) associated with lamb production. This includes greenhouse gas emissions (CH₄ and N₂O), water use and quality (eutrophication), air quality (acidification), land use and resource use.  The data I collect will be used to determine improved emission factors for upland systems, allowing development of a subsequent environmental footprint using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches. I will also explore upland management scenarios including mitigation options and environmental trade-offs between land uses. Methodologies include use of a GreenFeed system to measure ruminant methane and use of mobile soil gas measurement systems to determine gas burdens from animal wastes. 

Undergraduate Thesis: Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Venison Production in Scotland

This project involved creation of a model and use of IPCC Guidelines and New Zealand quantification methodologies to determine GHGs that arise from deer farming in Scotland. An overall carbon footprint was also obtained and emissions intensity presented in terms of kg live weight, carcass weight, protein and co-products.