A warm welcome to PML scientist Mayra (May) Rodriguez Bennadji who recently joined CBIOMES
by Helen Hill for CBIOMES
HH: In summary, what are your research interests?
M R-B: I am transitioning into a new research domain, where my focus will center on enhancing primary production models and refining their methodologies. As such, my research interests lie in advancing the comprehension and quantification of primary production dynamics, especially in the context of a shifting climate.
HH: What is your role in Shubha’s group? What are you going to be working on for CBIOMES?
M R-B: In my current role, I focus on understanding and quantifying primary production in marine ecosystems using Earth Observation data. By updating global databases and improving existing models, we aim to improve our understanding of the ocean’s carbon cycle dynamics, aiding environmental assessments and policymaking.
HH: What is your educational background?
M R-B: My journey has always revolved around water. I began by researching water quality during my chemical engineering degree (BSc). After working in the industry for a couple of years in Uruguay, I decided to pursue a master’s at the University of Exeter (UK), focusing on resilience in the water sector. In my PhD with the QUEX Institute (UK & Australia), I used modeling to measure and enhance sewer systems’ resilience. As a Postdoc in Eawag (Switzerland), I worked with deep learning models and social science methods to understand the state of climate change research in Switzerland. After a short period at ARUP (UK), I am now at PML working under the guidance of Dr Shuba Sathyendranath and Dr Gemma Kulk.
Story image: May says “I like being outdoors – running, hiking, bouldering, and cycling. Also, I enjoy basic analog cameras.”