Dr Lucy McMahon
Postdoctoral Research Associate
My profile
Biography
I am a marine scientist with expertise in blue carbon, nature-based solutions and ecosystem services. I primarily work on coastal wetlands (notably saltmarsh and seagrass habitats in the UK) with a view to inform marine management, conservation and restoration. I am interested in transdisciplinary approaches to research and collaborate with marine social scientists. I am a professional member of the UK Blue Carbon Forum.
In addition to my research, I work as a marine consultant delivering projects related to any aspect of the marine environment. I am also committed to science communication across a range of audiences and mediums including school outreach events, media outlets (e.g. ITV and International Yachting Radio), and webinars. I currently deliver seagrass restoration workshops at Universities in collaboration with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. I am passionate about widening participation in marine education and engage with Women in STEM initiatives (incl. Women in Ocean Science).
Projects
My current work focuses on the blue carbon potential of restored saltmarshes with a view to understand the major environmental drivers that influence spatial variability.
As part of the Department’s Blue Carbon Research Group, we lead applied research and work with government agencies (e.g. Environment Agency), consultancies (e.g. Jacobs) and NGOs (e.g. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust). We also provide advice and guidance on local seascape restoration schemes.
Teaching
Teaching
TBC (Spring term 2024)
I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Supervision
I have 4 completed MSc dissertation project students for whom I was a primary/ co-supervisor between 2020 and 2023 (University of York).
Research outputs
Journal Articles
McMahon, L., Ladd, C., Burden, A., Garrett, E., Redeker, K.R., Lawrence, P. and Gehrels, R. 2023. Maximising Blue Carbon Stocks through Saltmarsh Restoration. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10, p.557. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1106607.
Smeaton, C., Burden, A., Ruranska, P., Ladd, C.J., Garbutt, A., Jones, L., McMahon, L., Miller, L.C., Skov, M.W. and Austin, W.E. 2022. Using citizen science to estimate surficial soil Blue Carbon stocks in Great British saltmarshes. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, p.1461. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.959459.
Chapters in Books
Austin, W.E.N., Smeaton, C., Ruranska, P., Paterson, D. M., Skov, M. W., Ladd, C. J. T., McMahon, L., Havelock, G. M., Gehrels, R., Mills, R., Barlow, N. L. M., Burden, A., Jones, L., and Garbutt, A. 2022. “Carbon Storage in UK Intertidal Environments” in: Challenges in Estuarine and Coastal Science, ed. J. Humphreys and S. Little (Pelagic Publishing). doi: 10.53061/STPP2268.
Reports
McMahon, L., Mossman, H.L., Dunk, R.M, Sparkes, R., Rae, S., Born, K., Tempest, J., and Pontee, N. 2023. Saltmarsh Blue Carbon Summary Report: A summary of the carbon accumulation results from two studies. Report produced by Jacobs and MMU on behalf of Defra and the Environment Agency. Version P02/ C20379. October 2023.
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), 2022. Ocean Literacy in England: Headline Findings Report. Defra Evidence Report. Report No: 15631, 64 pp.
Career history
2012 - 2015
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
University of Liverpool
2016 - 2017
MSc Marine Environmental Management with a placement at the School of Ocean Sciences (Bangor University)
University of York
2018 - 2023
PhD “Drivers of Blue Carbon Dynamics in Saltmarsh Ecosystems”
Funded by the ACCE DTP (Natural Environment Research Council) with a placement at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
University of York
2023
Associate Lecturer and MSc Module Leader
University of York
2023 - Present
Marine Consultant
Self-employed
2023 - Present
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Blue Carbon)
Manchester Metropolitan University