A short summary of Katie's research:

My research focuses on seagrass restoration, a critical area in marine conservation that has the potential to enhance coastal ecosystem health and resilience. The urgency of seagrass restoration is underscored by the ecosystem services they provide, including carbon sequestration, which is crucial in combating climate change, and their role as nurseries habitat for many marine species. My research is driven by the belief that restoring these vital habitats can lead to significant ecological and societal benefits.

Growing up on a small island, I developed a deep appreciation for marine environments and their biodiversity. My graduate studies further solidified my commitment to this field, exploring how to advance seagrass restoration techniques as part of my PhD. I became particularly interested in developing methods to enhance seagrass resilience and recovery, such as investigating genomic approaches to identify or induce climate-resilient seagrass populations. One of my key projects also involves looking at how we can upscale seagrass restoration techniques, so we can restore seagrass habitats in degraded coastal areas.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

My PhD research was the first project to successful use seagrass transplantation to restore seagrass meadows in South Africa, as well as the first project to employ habitat suitability modelling to our endangered seagrass to prioritise management and restoration action. My research thereby has socio-ecological impacts from the restoration of this ecosystem and the ecosystem services it provides including nursery habitat for macroinvertebrates and fishes, sediment stabilisation, water purification, and carbon sequestration.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

The postdoctoral research landscape is challenging due to a number of factors, particularly the short-term nature of contracts that often uproot researchers as they go between institutions, which is not always a possiblility for some individuals. This career instability and lack of long-term job security then has many knock-on impacts for academia retains and attracts talent from a wealth of diverse backgrounds, and we lose out on the experience and idea-sharing diversity within the sector brings.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support postdoctoral researchers?

Longer-term job security that is more appropriately funded in comparison to international opportunities, such as the inclusion of healthcare, child support and access to fitness facilities as part of their job contracts.
Offer postdoctoral research grants to help promote innotative postdoctoral-led research ideas and support career development.
Support in accessing full-time researcher positions and transitioning towards a PI.

What excites you about your work?

Seagrass restoration is a growing research area, with huge potential to both support biodiversity provision and improve coastal communities' wellbeing, as well as play a role in offsetting global climate change. In South Africa, again, the potential to implement scalabale seagrass restoration nationally is huge, which would have incredible knock-on socio-ecological impacts.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I'm an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer, so doing anything in or by the ocean is my most favourite way to re-energise. Otherwise, hiking in the mountains or reading with a cup of tea are how I like to relax and unwind.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career?

I am currently working on my Consolidoc, which has been fantastic at providing me with short-term support to enable me to publish the research from my PhD in the interim before I start a longer-term postdoctoral position in Hong Kong.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

A hugely underrated aspect of postgraduate studies in general is lab culture. I've been incredibly lucky to have a wonderfully supportive lab, which makes the world of difference and allows me to focus on enjoying my research!

Connect with Katie and her work:

LinkendIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewatson01
Twitter: https://x.com/KatieMWatson_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underwaterwithkatie
Research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katie-Watson-2
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3FUqYpEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra