Home | Arianwen Herbert

Arianwen Herbert

--- PhD student and science communicator

I am a DPhil (PhD) student in Interdisciplinary Bioscience at the University of Oxford, researching the evolution and adaptation of marine phytoplankton and their role in carbon fixation in a changing climate. Alongside my PhD I am a freelance video reporter and producer for New Scientist, reporting on a range of topics, including my own research, and can be found on Instagram and Tiktok @scienceformymum, my platform for sharing my experience of navigating undergrad and PhD study, fieldwork and scientific research.

Fieldwork blog

I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to some wonderful places with my doctoral research, from the subtropical South Atlantic to the subpolar North Atlantic, the North Sea to Bermuda.

I'm documenting it as I go on my scicomm Instagram account and here, in a blog. Take a look for an insight into my life as a PhD student in the field.

We stand on the shoulders of … ancient oceans

What's the fuss about carbon flux?

Green filters and a green flash

MY RESEARCH

I hold a degree in Biochemistry (integrated Master's, first class with honours) from the University of Warwick. Over my 4 years at university I had the privilege to join an environmental microbiology lab, where I discovered the world of marine cyanobacteria. Drawn to the role microscopic life play in our natural world, in particular the ecology of marine microbial communities, my PhD is an investigation of the evolution and adaptation of marine phytoplankton and their role in carbon fixation and the climate cycle.

Since embarking on my PhD in October 2023 I have taken part in three oceanographic fieldwork expeditions: BIO-Carbon II (JC269) examining the biological influence on future ocean storage of carbon in the subpolar North Atlantic, CarTRidge (JC275) investigating enhanced carbon export driven by internal tides over the mid-Atlantic ridge in the subtropical South Atlantic, and eSWEETS (DY197) understanding the impact of floating offshore wind expansion on phytoplankton communities in the North Sea.

I am currently on placement at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, for updates check my blog or social media.

Research

DPhil (PhD) Research

My DPhil research focuses on the evolution and adaptation of marine phytoplankton and their role in carbon fixation and the climate cycle.

Expedition

CarTRidge expedition JC275

In spring 2025 I joined the CarTRidge expedition, seeking to understand the influence of mid-ocean ridges on carbon export.

Fieldwork Diaries

Expedition

BIO-Carbon expedition JC269

In 2024 I joined as part of the NERC-funded BIO-Carbon programme, to understand the role of biology in future ocean carbon storage.

Research

Master's Research

Time-resolved transcriptomics and In Vivo testing reveal anti-phage function of E. coli P2-like prophage.

Experience

Other Research Projects

Information on other research projects including my undergraduate project, undergraduate studentship, previous internships and placements.

Recognition

Awards and Accolades

Recognition and prizes for academic achievement and contribution to public engagement in science and research.

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH

Accessible science communication lies at the heart of everything I do. As scientists I believe we have a duty to translate our work into something that can be understood by all. In promoting a better understanding of our work I hope to inspire people to take an interest in our world which will hopefully empower them to take ownership and action. I aim, in particular, to inspire young people to take an interest in science, especially girls who are too often still led to believe it's not for them.

Scroll through the slider below and click on the photographs to find out more about my science communication and outreach efforts. To discuss any events or features I might be able to contribute to contact me here.