Personal profile
Research interests
Biography:
2019 - present: Senior lecturer, Geography and Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University
2015 - 2019: Postdoc, Environment and Geography, University of York
2012 - 2015: Postdoc, Agriculture Flagship, CSIRO Australia
2009 - 2011: Postdoc, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh
Research interests
The focus of my research is in below-ground soil ecology and understanding how the ecosystem services provided by the complex interactions between microbes, soil fauna and plants can be disrupted by anthropogenic activities. Moreover, understanding these interactions forms the basis for finding sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and pollution.
I apply this knowledge through research on greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon sequestration, sustainable soil management in agriculture, microplastic pollution, recycling organic wastes, novel soil amendment technologies and nutrient use efficiency in agricultural systems.
I have a broad training in soil science-related analytical techniques, working in semi-natural and managed systems, using a combination of techniques in biogeochemistry, microbiology, molecular microbiology and soil ecology in laboratory and field-based studies.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, University of Aberdeen
1 Sept 2005 → 30 Jun 2009
Award Date: 30 Nov 2009
Research Group keywords
- Environmental Monitoring and Reconstruction
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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The role of hedgerows in soil functioning within agricultural landscapes
Holden, J., Grayson, R. P., Berdeni, D., Bird, S., Chapman, P. J., Edmondson, J. L., Firbank, L. G., Helgason, T., Hodson, M. E., Hunt, S. F. P., Jones, D. T., Lappage, M. G., Marshall-Harries, E., Nelson, M., Prendergast-Miller, M., Shaw, H., Wade, R. N. & Leake, J. R., 1 Mar 2019, In: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 273, p. 1-12 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access122 Citations (Scopus) -
Polyester-derived microfibre impacts on the soil-dwelling earthworm Lumbricus terrestris
Prendergast-Miller, M. T., Katsiamides, A., Abbass, M., Sturzenbaum, S. R., Thorpe, K. L. & Hodson, M. E., 1 Aug 2019, In: Environmental Pollution. 251, p. 453-459 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
209 Citations (Scopus) -
Plastic Bag Derived-Microplastics as a Vector for Metal Exposure in Terrestrial Invertebrates
Hodson, M. E., Duffus-Hodson, C. A., Clark, A., Prendergast-Miller, M. T. & Thorpe, K. L., 18 Apr 2017, In: Environmental Science and Technology. 51, 8, p. 4714-4721 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile713 Citations (Scopus)45 Downloads (Pure) -
Network analysis reveals that bacteria and fungi form modules that correlate independently with soil parameters
De Menezes, A. B., Prendergast-Miller, M. T., Richardson, A. E., Toscas, P., Farrell, M., Macdonald, L. M., Baker, G., Wark, T. & Thrall, P. H., 1 Aug 2015, In: Environmental Microbiology. 17, 8, p. 2677-2689 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
203 Citations (Scopus) -
Soil microbial organic nitrogen uptake is regulated by carbon availability
Farrell, M., Prendergast-Miller, M., Jones, D. L., Hill, P. W. & Condron, L. M., 1 Oct 2014, In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 77, p. 261-267 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile174 Citations (Scopus)43 Downloads (Pure)
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Reconstructing soils using demolition byproducts to enhance carbon capture function following conflict.
Stott, K. (Speaker), Goddard, M. (Speaker), Manning, D. (Speaker), Sherry, A. (Speaker) & Prendergast-Miller, M. (Speaker)
27 Nov 2025Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Microbial Ecology Advisor to PhD candidate: K. Stott. Carbonate precipitation in natural and engineered soils incorporating industrial by-products.
Prendergast-Miller, M. (Other), Goddard, M. (Other) & Sherry, A. (Other)
2020 → 2024Activity: Other
Prizes
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Best Poster Presenter Award at the International Soil Science Society (Soils 2025), Penang, Malaysia. The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Carbon Sequestration and Capture in Soils Amended with Mineral Wastes (Presenter: Sam Marron).
Marron, S. (Recipient), Stott, K. (Recipient), Prendergast-Miller, M. (Recipient), Goddard, M. (Recipient) & Sherry, A. (Recipient), 7 May 2025
Prize
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