Meet Kevin O’Leary from the Trinity Coastal Research Group

Kevin O’Leary is a second-year PhD student working with the Trinity Coastal Research Group under the supervision of Professor Iris Möller. He has a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin, and a Master’s degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement from The University of Edinburgh.

Kevin has previously worked as a Research Assistant with the Trinity Coastal Research Group and has a keen interest in field-based coastal geomorphology research, as well as the use of new technologies and approaches to improve the monitoring and management of connected coastal seascapes. Kevin’s research aims to identify and quantify the interactions between intertidal seagrass and saltmarsh systems to further our understanding of their joint development and response to changing environmental drivers, supporting a management approach which considers intertidal seagrass-saltmarsh systems as a connected seascape.

His research also aims to better inform seagrass-saltmarsh rewilding and restoration initiatives in the Irish intertidal environment. Existing evidence of seagrass-saltmarsh interactions has first been identified through extensive literature review, and a comprehensive 1-year field study at the Malahide Estuary, Co. Dublin, Ireland is currently underway to quantify the changes in matter and energy flux across Zostera noltii and Zostera marina seagrass beds and Spartina-dominated saltmarsh. By considering the connections between seagrass and saltmarsh systems, Kevin plans to contribute novel insights to the Rewrite project for rewilding initiatives in these unique environments. His work will also support research in the greater Dublin Bay area demonstration site.

Kevin’s research is also supported by a Trinity Research Doctorate Award and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of Ireland.