Geography student wins Quaternary Research Association Dissertation Prize

Looking at the impacts of past volcanic eruptions and tephra depositions (volcanic ash) on a lake in Northeast China, Natalie’s work was awarded by the Royal Geographical Society and the Quaternary Research Association.

The prize recognises the achievements of undergraduates in Quaternary science, awarded £250 for a thesis which demonstrates ‘flair and originality’.

Natalie’s dissertation investigated diatoms, a type of unicellular algae in the lake sediments to see how they responded to tephras, and what inferences can be made for the whole lake system, showing that they do, indeed, respond to tephras.

An Epithemia adnata diatom taken using a light microscope by Natalie Deng

“Interestingly,” she said, “they have also indicated distinct lake system changes for different tephras under different climate regimes.

“This outlines the importance of background conditions in mitigating how a lake system can react to abrupt environmental perturbations like volcanism.”

Natalie told us that she wanted to write about volcanoes and palaeoenvironments because of the great destruction they can cause to environments and society.

“Understanding their impacts is crucial,” she said. “Due to the transient nature of volcanic eruptions, there is a lack of detailed and long-term monitoring of these events.

“Finding out how volcanoes interact with their surrounding environments is very important for future volcanic hazard management and impact mitigation.”

"I am delighted that Natalie received this award, she was interested in volcanic eruptions from our first discussions, and I put her in touch with Dr Patrick Rioual so she was able to pursue this interest whilst she had to remain in China under Covid lockdowns. " Said Professor Viv Jones

"She came back to the UK with a very interesting data set and produced an excellent dissertation which we were able to write up for publication.

"For this work to be recognised by the QRA is fantastic and shows that all the hard work counting diatoms paid off."

“I am very delighted to win the QRA Dissertation Prize and see my hard work paying off." Natalie said.

"Doing a sustained piece of research was not easy, and I am proud of myself for all the efforts I have put into this.”

Now studying for her MSc in Climate Change, Natalie wants to continue her research, hoping to pursue a PhD then an career in academia.

You can find out more about our undergraduate courses, including our BSc Geography degree, in the Study section of this website.