I am a postgraduate researcher at the University of Stirling, where I study how mussel farming affects the health and quality of mussels in Scotland.
My work looks at how genetics, environment, and farming practices influence shell strength, an important factor for both mussel survival and farming value. I focus particularly on the role of hybridisation within the Mytilus species complex and environmental differences between farm sites.
Alongside my PhD, I lead a project with international researchers and industry partners on mussel juvenile (spat) collection, with long-term aims of helping farmers improve recruitment and sustainability.
My goal is to support a strong future for aquaculture by combining science with practical solutions.
Article
Mele I, McGill RA, Thompson J, Fennell J & Fitzer S (2023) Ocean acidification, warming and feeding impacts on biomineralization pathways and shell material properties of Magallana gigas and Mytilus spp.. Marine Environmental Research, 186, Art. No.: 105925. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105925