Nikki Paterson

PhD topic title: Exploring the intersection between biodiversity, nature connectedness, and human health & wellbeing over the lifecourse

PhD supervisors: Dr Peter Coventry and Professor Piran White

Biography and research

My research explores human-nature relationships in the Anthropocene, by looking at the impact of the biodiversity of an ecosystem on the wellbeing of the humans experiencing it. I am interested in how these relationships intersect with inequities in access to green and blue space. This research will further understanding of how to (re)connect humans to nature, for the benefit both of ourselves and the other species with whom we share our planet.

I hold an interdisciplinary MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford, where I researched mindfulness, nature connection and pro-biodiversity behaviours amongst urban populations in the UK. I completed my BA in History at the University of Birmingham, and have since spent a number of years advising businesses how to decarbonise and transition to a circular economy through my work in sustainability consulting.

Funder

• The Leverhulme Trust