Augmenting Urban Tree Canopies with Mistletoe: Enhancing Air Quality, Biodiversity, and Wellbeing in a Changing Climate

Augmenting Urban Tree Canopies with Mistletoe: Enhancing Air Quality, Biodiversity, and Wellbeing in a Changing Climate

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Pallavi Singh, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Nick Aldred, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Amanda Cavanagh, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Professor Corinne Whitby, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

 

Scientific Background

Urban areas are under increasing pressure from air pollution, biodiversity loss and climate stress. Despite the proven benefits of green spaces to the environment, economies and human health and wellbeing, some urban tree-planting initiatives have encountered resistance, as well as practical challenges from slow growth / survival rates of trees, low land availability and high maintenance costs. This pioneering project explores a novel alternative: augmenting existing tree canopies with mistletoe, a hemi-parasite with the potential to enhance removal of pollutants, increase urban biodiversity and improve thermal regulation.

Research Methodology

You will conduct field experiments in urban environments across eastern England and with local partner Mistletoe Trees . These will include measuring particulate matter removal, canopy structure, gas exchange and host tree vitality in mistletoe-enhanced versus unmodified trees. Laboratory simulations and growth experiments will explore mistletoe’s physiological responses to climate stress.

 

Training

The project provides an exceptional interdisciplinary training platform. You will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge plant ecophysiology techniques such as chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange (using LICOR systems) and thermal imaging, to assess plant performance under environmental stress. Training in geospatial analysis and ecological modelling will enable predictive insight into urban ecosystem dynamics. You will develop expertise in stakeholder engagement, citizen science, and science-policy communication, translating research into actionable outcomes. Supported by ARIES DTP training modules and University of Essex development programmes, you will have further opportunities for placements with local councils and environmental NGOs. This holistic skillset will prepare you for an impactful career in environmental science, urban ecology, policy, or research leadership.

 

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a background in natural science, life science, plant science, ecology, conservation biology, or agricultural sustainability or related degree. Curiosity, resilience, and an interest in interdisciplinary, impact-driven research are essential. Experience with ecological fieldwork, data analysis (e.g., R or Python), or public engagement is desirable but not required. We welcome applicants who are excited to explore creative, nature-based solutions for the environmental challenges facing cities today.

This innovative project promises to generate tangible societal and environmental benefits while contributing new scientific insights into host–symbiont dynamics in changing climate.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Natural science, life science, plant science, ecology, conservation biology, or agricultural sustainability or related degree

Project code: SINGH_ESSEX_ARIES26

References

  • Griebel, A., Watson, D. and Pendall, E., 2017. Mistletoe, friend and foe: synthesizing ecosystem implications of mistletoe infection. Environmental Research Letters, 12(11), p.115012.
  • Reeves*, Singh* et al. 2018. Natural Variation within a Species for Traits Underpinning C4 Photosynthesis. Plant Physiology 177 (2), 504-512.
  • Reeves, Tripathi, Singh*, et al. 2022. Monocotyledonous Plants Graft at the Embryonic Root–Shoot Interface.” Nature, 602 (7896), 280–286.
  • Tiwary, et al. 2009. An integrated tool to assess the role of new planting in PM10 capture and the human health benefits: A case study in London. Environmental Pollution 157, 2645-2653.
  • Grydaki, N., Colbeck, I. & Whitby, C*. 2024. Temporal changes in the size resolved fractions of bacterial aerosols in urban and semi-urban residences. Sci Rep 14, 20238.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Please send a CV and Cover Letter to  ariesapp@essex.ac.uk, including the title and project code of the studentship you wish to apply for.