Deborah Cracknell is an honorary research fellow of the Medical School, with a primary research focus on the relationships between people and the marine environment.

As an interdisciplinary researcher, Deborah is particularly interested in the influence of marine biodiversity on human health and wellbeing.

After completing her BSc. (Hons) in Marine Biology and Microbiology at Plymouth University in 1998, Deborah worked at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth for 19 years. During this time, she worked in a variety of progressive roles, including Senior Biologist and Diving Officer, Environmental Manager and, most recently, Lead Researcher.

Deborah completed her PhD in environmental psychology with Dr Mathew White, Dr Sabine Pahl and Professor Michael Depledge in 2016, looking at the restorative potential of sub-aquatic biodiversity.

Currently, Deborah is working with University of Exeter and Eden Project international on research around the impact of visiting the Sustainability Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. She is also working on an Interreg project, Preventing Plastic Pollution, with the University of Plymouth.

In addition to her interest in looking at the effects of people’s engagement with underwater biodiversity, and how this influences both human well-being outcomes and conservation engagement, she is also interested in the potential benefits associated with participating in marine-related citizen science projects. Deborah is currently a member of the Environmental Psychology Research Group and the International Marine Litter Research Unit (both at the University of Plymouth).