People

Benoit Thibodeau, PhD (UQÀM, Canada)

Principal Investigator

Prof. Thibodeau holds a joint appointment in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme & School of Life Sciences. His research expertise lies in the field of environmental biogeochemistry, paleoceanography and climate science, with a notable focus on marine biogeochemistry, nutrient cycles, stable isotopes, and the anthropogenic impacts on marine environments.

Ziyan Wang, BSc (Southern University of Science and Technology, China)

PhD candidate

My research focuses on biogeochemical cycles in coastal wetlands. Using isotopic, geochemical analysis, and microbial tools, I explore the interconnected Nitrogen, Carbon, and Sulfur cycles their responses to pressing issues like excess nitrogen loading and global climate change. I aim to quatnfify nitrogen removal potential of Hong Kong mangroves, providing valuable insights into their capacity as nature-based solutions and offering socio-economic evaluations for a broader implication.

Tim Sik Chan, MSc (University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong)

Junior Research Assistant

Following my MSc study on analytical chemistry at HKUST, I joined the MBD lab as a junior research assistant to support research on Tolo harbour and Lam Tsuen river project. My main duties are analysis the collected samples and provide chemistry knowledge to our team members. I would like to apply my chemistry knowledge and experience to discover nature.

Mani NM Chung, BSc (Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

MPhil candidate

After obtaining my BSc in Biology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, I joined the lab as a junior research assistant. I have a strong research interest in coastal wetland biogeochemistry, with a specific focus on studying the sediment nitrogen cycles. Additionally, I am interested in marine invertebrate diversity, particularly the diversity of marine decapods.

Ho Wen Lo, PhD (Leeds, U.K)

Postdoctoral Researcher

Mandy WK So, MPhil (University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Senior Research Assistant

After completing my M.Phil studying the microplastic pollution in Hong Kong mangroves and their interactions with mangrove crabs at HKU, I joined the MBD Lab as a research assistant. My current work primarily focuses on constructing a comprehensive food web of mangrove invertebrates using compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids, as well as bulk carbon and nitrogen isotopes. This research aims to assess the ecological redundancy of mangrove fauna by evaluating the robustness of the food web and their biodiversity.

Alissa Bass, MRes (University of Plymouth, U.K.)

PhD candidate

My research focus is examining the effects of multiple global change drivers on seagrass habitats specifically looking at the eco-physiological effects and species interactions. Using stable isotope tracing, I also examine how climate change can alter smaller-scale processes in seagrasses. I am particularly interested in the combination of global and regional- scale drivers, such as marine heatwave events with more local- scale environmental conditions. With my research, I hope to contribute to the growing understanding of how marine environments may respond in the future to anthropogenic change and to improve marine habitat restoration strategies.

Chenyu Luo, MSc (University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

PhD candidate

Henry Thomas, BSc (Durham, U.K.)

PhD candidate

Meriadec LePabic, MSc (Bordeaux University, France)

PhD candidate, co-supervision (HKU)