‘Academically excellent’ Thurso PhD student recognised for contributions to research in UHI North, West and Hebrides awards
A Thurso-based environmental science student has been named Higher Education Student of the Year by UHI North, West and Hebrides in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and contributions to industry-relevant research.
Robert McHenry, who is based at the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in Thurso, is undertaking a PhD entitled “The eco-hydrological and biodiversity effects of peatland roads.”
His research is directly influencing how the onshore wind industry approaches environmental impact assessments, with funding support from SSE Renewables.
Originally from a small village in Ireland, the 25-year-old relocated to Thurso to pursue his doctoral studies.
He began as a self-funded student but was later awarded full financial backing following a successful funding application.
His academic progress has since been marked by a string of notable achievements, including publication in a peer-reviewed journal and further research submitted for review.
The award was made in recognition of Robert’s academic excellence, his proactive attitude towards securing training and funding opportunities, and the wider relevance of his work to environmental science and renewable energy sectors.
He was nominated by Professor Roxane Andersen, his Director of Studies, who described him as “academically excellent”.
Describing him as “kind, caring and always mindful of others,” Professor Andersen said: “I have supervised more than 20 postgraduate students in my career so far and I have rarely met one so self-motivated, not only to do research, but to look for opportunities for funding, training, learning, disseminating and continuing further.
“Rob has made excellent contributions to his academic field, but has also been able to translate his knowledge in a way that is influencing how industry - in this case, onshore wind energy - deploys environmental impact assessments.
“The project funders and all his supervisors have been very impressed by his professionalism and by his creativity - taking the research questions beyond what was initially imagined.”
Robert says that moving to Thurso felt familiar due to his rural upbringing in Ireland.
“I grew up in a small village in Ireland so moving to Thurso was quite familiar in some ways,” he explains. “But learning how to do proper scientific research has been a steep learning curve.
“Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by science and particularly in ecology. So, in many ways studying the animals, plants and hydrology of the Flow Country has been a realisation of that childhood fascination, even if it is not always what you expect!
“Highlights of my PhD include being able to explore the Highlands and Islands – both recreationally and for fieldwork – and the relaxed and sociable working environment at ERI.”
Robert continues to study the plant and animal life of the Flow Country, contributing to one of the most significant habitats for carbon storage and biodiversity in Europe.
The Higher Education Student of the Year award forms part of UHI North, West and Hebrides’ annual celebration of student achievement across its campuses.
Robert was one of two students recognised, with Further Education Student of the Year, and Overall Student of the Year going to Adam Hutchison from Barcaldine, Argyllshire.
