Dr Gemma Fenwick FHEA
Teaching FellowResearch Overview
Gemma is a marine biologist and coral reef ecologist, working across a range of marine environments. Gemma joined the LEC Reefs team as a Research Associate in 2019 and now works as a Lecturer.
Prior to joining Lancaster University, Gemma was a Lecturer in Marine Biology at Blackpool and the Fylde College, delivering the Lancaster University degree in Marine Biology. Gemma has a PhD from the University of London in crustacean biology and behaviour in the Clyde Sea Area, Scotland.
Research Interests
Gemma works on intertidal systems around the UK, including seagrass ecosystems in south Cumbria and intertidal reefs around Morecambe Bay. Gemma has additional interests in non-native marine species and collaborates with researchers at the Centre for Ecology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.
The majority of her research is in coral reef systems in the western Indian Ocean, where she aims to:
- assess the health of coral reefs including coral coverage and diversity;
- assess the health of reef-associated species, including biodiverity, biomass and trophic levels;
- identify and assess the extent of coral diseases;
- consider the plausability of reef restoration practices;
- contribute knowledge to setting biodiversity targets and developing management measures for Marine Protected Areas.
Current Teaching
Gemma is module convenor for LEC.241 Populations to Ecosystems and contributes to teaching in LEC.101 Global Environmental Challenges, LEC.141 Evolutionary Biology, LEC.243 Experimental Design and Analysis and LEC.351 Coral Reef Ecology.
Gemma supervises research projects for LEC.505/507 and LEC.300/301.
External Roles
Gemma works as an External Examiner for the Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science programme at the University of Suffolk.
She collaborates with Love the Oceans, a non-profit marine conservation organisation supporting work in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique. The goal is to support the community in establishing a Marine Protected Area for the Inhambane Province in Mozambique, achieving higher biodiversity whilst protecting endangered species.
- Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science