Natalie Welden

Natalie Welden is a Lecturer in Environmental Science and Sustainability at the University of Glasgow's School of Social & Environmental Sustainability. She holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow (2011–2015), focusing on microplastic pollution in the Clyde Sea Area, and has held postdoctoral positions at the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Open University. Her research emphasizes microplastic impacts, citizen science applications, and ecosystem-based solutions to environmental challenges.

Education:

• BSc Ecology, University of Derby (2005–2008)
• MSc Marine Environmental Management, University of York (2009–2010)
• PhD in Microplastic Pollution, University of Glasgow (2011–2015)

Research Interests: Natalie's work explores human impacts on aquatic ecosystems, particularly microplastic pollution's sources, distribution, and ecotoxicological effects. She has pioneered studies on microplastic degradation, citizen science methodologies, and engineering solutions for plastic capture. Her recent focus includes integrating social-ecological systems into policy frameworks for sustainable shrimp farming and coastal management.

Publications Overview: Her 23+ publications span microplastic monitoring techniques, policy implications, and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges. Recent themes include deltaic vulnerability assessments, ecosystem service integration, and novel plastic mitigation strategies. She has authored a book on microplastic transport and edited sections in major environmental handbooks.

Grants & Teaching:

• Programme Co-Director for BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability
• Convenes courses on aquatic ecosystems, environmental monitoring, and sustainability projects
• Lead on Innovate UK-funded SOPaS project targeting microfibre pollution
• Supervises graduate research on plastic transport modeling and coastal Bangladesh's social-ecological systems

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on citizen science initiatives, microplastic lifecycle analysis, and policy engagement with stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture sectors.