Lydia Porritt

Lydia is one of the two Coastal Explorer Interns this year, joining our team after recently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology at the University of Southampton. Lydia’s thesis had an ecological focus; comparing cryptobenthic fish community compositions among Taiwanese coral reefs. Having studied tropical and subtropical ecology, she is excited to apply her knowledge to marine and coastal ecology slighter closer to home.

Alongside her studies, Lydia previously worked as a Project Support Assistant at the Centre for Enzyme Innovation, engineering plastic-degrading enzymes. This was followed by a Research Aquarium Internship where she acquired skills in aquaculture, marine husbandry and system maintenance. 

Lydia enjoys recreational diving and is hoping to gain further qualifications which will enable her to apply this hobby in a scientific context.