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James McDonald

@jameslmcdonald.bsky.social

James McDonald @jameslmcdonald.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Pleased to be awarded for my PhD thesis titled ‘Calcium Dynamics and Ecological Interactions of Oribatid Mites in Nutrient Poor Upland Ecosystems’ (despite incorrect spelling of my name)!! I’ll continue to develop the themes explored throughout the PhD alongside my work in @ercrefresh.bsky.social!

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Reposted by James McDonald

Ana Castro-Castellon, DPhil (Oxon) @acastrocastellon.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

@quantumfreshwaters.bsky.social Welcomed our Stakeholders, Partners & Collaborators on a 1-day NERC QUANTUM conference/workshop. Shared progress and results were followed by interesting questions on the impact of livestock on freshwaters and discussions on mitigations. @pennyjohnes.bsky.social

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James McDonald @jameslmcdonald.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

That’s a wrap for @ercrefresh.bsky.social project fieldwork this summer! Three experiments investigating freshwater DOM uptake in contrasting water chemistries now complete and we move on to sample processing. Great to work alongside a strong team throughout and I can’t wait for next year!

High spirits among James McDonald, Charley Briddon and Sydney Enns all waiting for rain to pass whilst hiding in the van.

Microscope slide covered in clay stream biofilm. These were placed inside the experimental microcosms and removed at time-series intervals to observe DOM uptake.

PhD student Matt McCormack sampling in the microcosms.

Sheep fencing erected around the experimental area. Security was essential whilst working in the beautiful Welsh uplands as the local sheep are poor ecologists and were not trusted with the equipment.

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James McDonald @jameslmcdonald.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

Great to have the first set of experiments complete for the @ercrefresh.bsky.social project! Eight days in a beautiful chalk stream studying the role of DOM in freshwater systems as part of a @ukri.org and @erc.europa.eu funded programme.

Experimental microcosms placed inside a stream. Custom made frames hold them in place, whilst the sampling team extract samples and process in the area situated opposite.

Microcosms in situ. Each jar is fitted with a motorised lid fitted with a paddle to stir the water. Fiddly but very rewarding when in synchrony!

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Reposted by James McDonald

Penny Johnes @pennyjohnes.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

‪Great opportunity: full @ukri.org funded PhD Studentship with 4 years fees, stipend (£19237 pa) and full Research Training Support Grant, working with Prof Ian Bull, Director of the National Environmental Isotope Facility and my @ercrefresh.bsky.social team! Starts 10/2025 shorturl.at/AJREj 🧪

An algal bloom on a nutrient enriched lake encroaches into the Nymphaea alba and Chara hispida beds, causing plant dieback. Your work will develop a novel, targeted analytical method to allow us to rapidly screen samples to determine the molecular composition of the dissolved organic nutrients in these and other waters. These provide a critically important but overlooked nutrient resource driving ecosystem damage and biodiversity decline in waterbodies. We currently lack a unified technique that can rapidly screen samples in a targeted manner. You'll likely be highly motivated, enjoy both field and laboratory work, and be a good analytical chemist with attention to detail who is keen to make your mark through novel method development. Give Ian a ring or send him an e.mail (ian.d.bull@bristol.ac.uk), or contact me here or via my e.mail penny.johnes@bristol.ac.uk. We have a large team on the ERC REFRESH programme that you will be joining, along with two other PhD students due to start at the same time. Great team and learning opportunities.

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Reposted by James McDonald

ERC REFRESH programme @ercrefresh.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Come and join us. We're already underway with major experiments throughout the summer. Huge opportunity for the right candidate! See link for details. 🧪

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