EAG sponsored Student Emily Fearns-Nicol joins a Watershed Ecology & Biogeochemistry course in Sweden
The Krycklan Catchment course focused on the biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological interactions at upland, riparian, and aquatic interfaces of forested ecosystems. It combined lectures, field-based teaching, paper discussions, and poster presentations to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The course was held between September 19-25, 2024 and my participation was supported in part by the EAG student sponsorship program.
The week began with a broad overview of catchment hydrology and water balance, followed by in-depth explorations of riparian zones, geochemical cycling in streams, element transportation processes on hillslopes and the biogeochemical importance of wetland environments.
A highlight of the course was the opportunity to go into the field each day after the morning lectures. This allowed us to apply the concepts we had just learned, ask questions, and engage in discussions with others. The course provided ample opportunities for informal presentations, fostering a friendly and constructive environment where the exchange of ideas was encouraged throughout.
At the end of the week, a symposium at the Swedish Agricultural University brought together participants from the course and other academics, who shared short talks and poster presentations about their work. This event gave me the chance to meet other PhD students and discuss research with others in similar fields.
In addition to the academic knowledge gained, the location where the course was held was beautiful. Waking up by the river, running through the forest, and meeting people from all over the world made the experience even more enjoyable. The opportunity to explore was extended beyond the course – I travelled from Durham to Sweden by train, passing through the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. This journey allowed me to visit new places and meet new people.
Overall, this course was a fantastic opportunity to meet other PhD students, learn about the exciting research happening in Krycklan and beyond, and immerse myself in a biogeochemical research community. I am grateful to EAG for their sponsorship, which enabled me to attend this course.